Press Release

The Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association of WA (PGA) is shocked and horrified by the recent footage of animal cruelty shown on ABC Four Corners last night.

As an organization of WA cattle producers primarily involved in the live export of cattle to countries like Indonesia, we will never defend any cruelty or mistreatment to livestock, whether in Australia or overseas.

However as distressing as these graphic images of Australian cattle at the point of slaughter are, it cannot be seen as an indictment on the Australian livestock export industry, which continues to operate under the highest standards of animal welfare.

At no time during the program was there any evidence shown of animal cruelty on the farm, during transport, or in the Australian run feedlots in Indonesia.  As producers, we remain shocked that such appalling practices have occurred after the animals have been sold, and have left Australian control.

We will continue to support sanctions against any abattoir or country that refuses to follow the high standards of animal welfare demanded by the Australian Export Industry.  This includes the stunning of animals during Halal slaughter, which is used in Halal Accredited facilities in Australia.

The PGA is calling for the mandatory use of stunning equipment on Australian cattle in Indonesia, and that the same Halal slaughtering methods used in Australia, which includes stunning, be immediately initiated.