ANIMALS Australia has heavily criticised Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, saying his support of the suspension of two approved abattoirs in Vietnam was nothing more than a ploy to get live export off the front page during the current election campaign.
The animal rights group, which gathered shocking video images of animal cruelty involving likely Australian cattle at non-approved abattoirs in Vietnam, is using the breakdown in the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) to again press its case for a complete ban on live exports.
The renewed call for a ban comes despite a major overhaul of live export operations in Vietnam (click here). The call for a ban has also been made by the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (click here).
Animals Australia chief investigator Lyn White said the sledgehammering of Australian cattle in a non-ESCAS approved abattoir and the presence of Australian cattle in 10 other non-approved abattoirs revealed widespread corruption of Australian live export regulations.
“No action that the minister or industry has taken will prevent the sledgehammering of Australian cattle continuing in Vietnam,” Ms White said.
“Exporters have approved some 200 abattoirs throughout Vietnam, losing all possibility of maintaining control of these animals. Minister Joyce praised the suspension of a token two abattoirs for the purposes of a media grab.
“Barnaby Joyce continues to support an industry that has a clear track record of cruelty, corruption and cover-ups. His department is conflicted and being controlled by ruthless live export companies.”
Mr Joyce said anyone viewing this footage would be shocked and upset at the mistreatment.
“The treatment is totally abhorrent and it is the very antithesis of the animal welfare standards the Australian Government has been working towards and promoting internationally,” Mr Joyce said.
“The abattoir at the centre of the most serious allegations is a non-approved facility and it is alleged that Australian cattle were being supplied to this abattoir against Australia’s strict rules.
“It has not yet been confirmed on the evidence available whether the cattle were originally sourced from Australia. However, the Australian industry has already taken action to suspend all exports to identified Vietnamese abattoirs.”
Mr Joyce said Australia was the only country in the world that had a supply chain system in place that monitored exporters (ESCAS), which requires supply chain partners not to sell Australian animals outside the list of approved facilities.
“The Coalition will continue to enhance the ESCAS system to improve welfare standards and ensure that those who are found to have breached our stringent standards are held to account.”
Mr Joyce said industry had suspended supply of cattle to three abattoirs in Vietnam after the release of disturbing footage showing the mistreatment of animals.
“The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources commenced an investigation immediately after receiving the complaint and has met with Vietnamese authorities, who are also investigating the allegations,” Mr Joyce said.
“Members of the industry body, the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, agreed to suspend several facilities last Sunday (June 12) pending internal investigations. ALEC is currently considering further measures in light of information contained in a complaint provided by the department to exporters on Monday, June 13.
“Since 2013 the Coalition has strengthened DAWR’s capacity to apply penalties, to suspend, revoke or cancel licences for premises that are in breach and suspend or cancel permits for exporters that are proven to have done the wrong thing.”
Mr Joyce said Animals Australia first reported the incident on June 9 and the department immediately began investigations on receipt of the preliminary evidence on June 10.
“The department is experienced in regulating and working with the live export industry to investigate and address animal welfare concerns,” Mr Joyce said.
“I am confident their investigations will reveal what has gone wrong and what actions are required to prevent the mistreatment of Australian animals at ESCAS approved facilities in future,” Minister Joyce said.
“The Coalition supports the live export trade not only because of the economic benefits to our nation but because of the social benefits of improving the food security and living standards of millions of people all over the world, including in countries where there are strong cultural preferences for freshly slaughtered meat.”
Ms White said an investigation of Vietnam must determine:
• How many cattle escaped the supply chain.
• How many cattle were illegally transported from Vietnam to China.
• How many exporters are involved.
• Why exporters did not act when CCTV systems were not operating.
• Why was the trade to Vietnam allowed to grow when these abuses were known.
• Why has no exporter been prosecuted.
• Why the ESCAS failed to protect animals.
• When was Mr Joyce was first aware of incidents of animal cruelty in Vietnam.
The live export industry makes up about 12 per cent of Australia’s red meat exports.
