Australian farmers care about their animals, and do everything they can to take care of their sheep and cattle.
In fact, Australia is recognised as having some of the highest standards in the world when it comes to animal welfare.
Because of our vast land, the varying climate we live in and the reality of drought and severe weather conditions, our farmers need to transport their animals to more comfortable climates, sometimes over long distances.
Other parts of the world, such as Europe, don’t experience these variable weather conditions, nor do they have the vast distance and landscape of Australia, so asking Australian farmers not to transport their animals is unrealistic due to the significant differences in climate and size – some properties in Australia that farm sheep and cattle are larger than some European countries!
In northern Western Australia conditions can become extremely hot over the summer months – often up to 40 degrees celsius. To ensure the welfare of their animals, farmers transport their cattle to the southern part of the state where conditions are cooler and feed is more plentiful. Often there aren’t processing facilities close by to cattle and sheep properties and again, animals must be transported to such facilities that may be some distance away. All animals are well cared for during these journeys.
And in the case of livestock exports, animals are transported overseas to fill the demand for fresh protein due to cultural, religious or traditional reasons, or because in some cases people don’t have access to refrigeration or electricity, so buying frozen or chilled meat is not possible for them. Again, all animals are well looked after both in Australia, while on board livestock vessels, and when they get to their destination. To find out more about Australia’s livestock exports visit www.liveexportcare.com.au.
Most importantly, Australian farmers care about their animals. They rear them, in many cases from birth, caring for their sheep and cattle each day and making sure they are healthy and fit. Our industries are dedicated to the welfare of our animals, and committed to ensuring they are well looked after at all stages of their lives and along all parts of their journey.