Last night, as a result of an investigation conducted by PETA and Animals Australia, Australia’s most popular current-affairs show, 60 Minutes, aired a shocking exposé of Australia’s live-export industry and the fate of cows and sheep who are shipped to Egypt for slaughter. The investigative report confirmed animal advocates’ claims that the government and industry have been paying lip service to the idea of animal welfare but have allowed animals to suffer in countries that do not have any animal welfare standards whatsoever.

We found appalling abuses, including that workers were stabbing cows in the eyes, slashing their tendons, and cutting under their tails—without any painkillers—before slitting their throats while they were still conscious. The Australian government and the live-export industry claim that this slaughterhouse is a model and have held it up as a success story and see the “success” for yourself. In response to the investigation, the Australian government has suspended live-animal exports to Egypt.

Please write to the Australian government right away and urge it to permanently ban live-animal exports to all countries. Demand that any slaughter of Australian animals take place in Australia, where the animals will be under the protection of Australian laws. Please forward this e-mail to friends, family members, and co-workers and urge them to write as well:

The Honourable John Howard
Prime Minister of Australia
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
+61 2 6277 7700
+61 2 6273 4100 (fax)
http://www.pm.gov.au/email.cfm

The Honourable Peter McGauran, MP
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
+61 2 6277 7520
+61 2 6273 4120 (fax)
peter.mcgauran.mp@aph.gov.au