The Indonesian Government has expressed its future plans to reduce live cattle imports from Australia in a bid to reach self sufficiency within the country. Cattle exports are predicted to be reduced by half in 2012, which will undoubtedly have an adverse effect on Northern Territory farmers whose livelihood is dependent on cattle exports. Animals Australia, an animal protection organization says the move will teach animal exporters in Australia a valuable lesson. The organization documented the cruel practices taking place in Indonesian slaughterhouses earlier this year, which resulted in public outcry. “For the very first time, the Australian public saw a glimpse of hidden practices that were known to the live export industry for more than a decade,” said Animals Australia Executive Director Glenys Oogjes. However the live export industry continues to grow, increasing its trade with notably the Middle East despite the growing opposition. The industry is helped by new rules being introduced over the next 12 months which does not make compulsory for abattoirs to stun before slaughter. “As a result, millions of cattle and sheep will not only still face the grueling sea voyage to foreign countries, those that survive will still risk brutal slaughter without stunning in overseas abattoirs,” says Oogjes. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/uS49N Tags: Australia, Cattle, Indonesia, Live Export Section: East Asia, Food, Latest News, Oceana
