If Federal politicians cannot give their constituents a personal guarantee that animals will not continue to be abused in the live export trade then they must support new legislation to end live export – a decision that is both in the interests of producers and animals.

In a joint press conference with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie at Parliament House this morning, Animals Australia said the latest revelations of cruelty from Egypt have left the Australian public despairing at the ALP and Coalition’s ongoing support for live export.

“With the majority of Australians outraged over Australia’s continued participation in this trade it is time for politicians who support it, to become personally accountable,” said Animals Australia Campaign Director Lyn White.

“We are calling on Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to provide their personal guarantee that exported animals will never again be subjected to terrible abuse. If they cannot do so, their course of action is obvious – they must support legislation to phase out the live trade.”

Further horrendous footage has emerged in the last 48 hours showing systemic abuse of Australian cattle in Egypt – in the same facility live exporters have claimed is ‘state-of-the-art’. The horrific footage shows fully conscious Australian cattle walking around with gaping throat cuts and again reinforces the cruel nature of un-stunned slaughter.

“Australian politicians and industry representatives have been quick to condemn the slashing of leg tendons but they cannot express horror at tendon slashing and then not also be horrified by animals having their throats slashed while conscious, yet this is the fate for the vast majority of animals exported from Australia.”

This latest evidence from Egypt confirms once again that the industry’s mantra of needing to stay in a market to improve welfare is nothing more than PR spin designed to maintain producer and government support.

“The Australian industry has had nearly 20 years of involvement in Egypt. Instead of contributing to positive animal welfare outcomes, this industry has been contributing to appalling ones by supplying animals to the horrors of fully conscious slaughter.”

 “Australian farmers have been deceived. They have again been told that their animals were being treated humanely, only to discover otherwise. To make matters worse, the blind political support for live export is fuelling a false confidence in a trade that is inherently unstable and unsustainable.”

“The sky won’t fall in without live export. Most Australian farmers do not export live animals and still run profitable businesses. Those who do can be assisted to transition away from the trade – a move that will create jobs in Australia and provide producers with greater surety in the long-term.”