<p>Over the past 30 years Australia’s live export industry has exported over 200 million animals to the Middle East.</p><p>During that time over 2.5 million animals have died enroute and many more have suffered injury, illness and distress directly caused by transportation by sea. The major cause of death on ships for sheep is ‘inanition’ – failing to eat, caused by the stresses of transportation and the unfamiliar pellet food that is provided. The history of the live export trade is littered with disasters caused by storms, heat episodes, mechanical failures, fires on board and trade disputes. In 2009, 32,117 sheep died en route to the Middle East.</p><p>Ban live export and set an example and a precedent that will inspire change. Such a decision by the Australian Government would protect millions of Australian animals from cruel treatment, and ensure that animal welfare was brought to political and public prominence in the Middle East. Australia’s chilled halal meat trade is already almost equal in value to Australia’s live sheep trade to the region and growing significantly each year. Regardless – some things are just wrong.. and no amount of profit will ever make them right!</p>
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