Despite my conservative politics, I am not a fan of live animal exports to other countries, but my reasons have less to do with alleged animal cruelty than the belief that these animals should be made available on the domestic market rather than the overseas market. Despite not being a fan of the industry, I do think that what has taken place over the past month is an absolute disgrace.
First of all, the ABC aired a segment relating to abattoirs in Indonesia and the methods used to slaughter those animals. Some people were upset by the images of what was taking place. Quite frankly, I think such people need to get real, and yes I doubt that many of those who made a fuss were in fact meat-eaters. I am guessing that as is usual amongst the left-wing vegans that they were pretending that they were put off eating meat!! If I am correct with this hunch then it is a very sad indictment on Australian politics. We are the ones who have to understand the meaning of halal butchery, as well as kosher butchery. It might not agree with our delicate sensibilities, but that happens to be the way things are done when there is ritual animal slaughter, so people just need to get over it.
Second, since Indonesia is a sovereign nation, what right does Australia have to go into that country and dictate how it wants the animals to be slaughtered? We need to mind our own business in that matter, and stick to the Australian scene.
Third, and this is why I am not as much against the live export of animals as I was a few years ago: there was another program which related life on a ship that was used for the export of live animals. It showed that the animals received excellent care during the journey to Indonesia. As far as I am concerned, the manner in which the animals are treated on the ships is about as far as we should be concerned. Once they reach their destination, and they belong to another country, we have no business interfering in the disposal of those animals.
The mess that has been created by the Dullard government relating to the live exports of animals to Indonesia should be enought to get people very angry. She has impacted upon the rural sector in such a way that she is helping to create future economic disaster. The interference has caused massive damage with a trading partner. It is inexcusable and it is unacceptable.
Aussie
Some facts:
Australia exports meat – on the hoof or in a box. The north of the country produces cattle of a type the Indonesians want – light weight, young – that they fatten in Indonesia. It costs too much to transport those cattle to SE Australia,(around $200/beast) and they are not what the market wants here anyway. Southern export meat is usually chilled and boxed and is a different breed. Northern cattle are Asian breeds – Brahman, (Bos Indicus) while the southern cattle are European or British breed. The bos Indicus are resistant to ticks, the British breeds need to be dipped every 3 weeks or so.
You state you want the meat killed in Australia – we had meat-works in various cities around the country but they proved too costly and closed.
Not sure that I actually stated that I wanted the meat killed in Australia, but I will check what I wrote, because that is not the impression I wanted to give.
What I was trying to convey is that I had misgivings about these live exports, but most of my misgivings were based upon the propanda of the usual suspects. What changed my mind was a documentary about the kind of care the cattle received on the ship.
You made some excellent points. I am wondering if you could write a bit more about the actual meat export industry that would be informative. I want to be able to present the best possible picture of the industry which has been getting a bum rap from people who have no idea about what you do, and how the cattle are looked after when they are exported.
All of your points were excellent. I am on your side with regards to what happened.