20 JULY 2015 | MEDIA RELEASE
Live cattle export to Indonesia disaster for animals

Government moves to export live cattle to Indonesia will see horrific suffering of New Zealand animals says animal advocacy group SAFE. New Zealand’s intentions to invest in cattle breeding programs in Indonesia could see a large number of New Zealand cattle exported to a country known for its brutal slaughter practices.

Undercover investigations in Indonesia led to a halt of Australian cattle exports after it was found that animals were abused and tortured during the slaughter process. The trade was restarted after assurances were given about improved practices but a subsequent undercover investigation revealed ongoing cruelty and dozens of animal welfare breaches were again recorded.

“Our government keeps pretending that sending animals overseas for breeding is somehow different than sending them for slaughter, which is illegal,” says SAFE executive director Hans Kriek. “But the reality is that these ‘breeding’ animals will be slaughtered after a few years in a manner deemed cruel and illegal in New Zealand.”

"Indonesian slaughter practices do not require the animals to be stunned before they are killed. This means that our cattle will have their throats cut while fully conscious and their suffering will be appalling.”

“Plans to export cattle to Indonesia follows moves to export large numbers of sheep to Saudi Arabia showing that our Government is happy to ignore serious animal welfare issues as long as they see a buck in it,” says Mr Kriek.

SAFE will fight any plans to export live animals and believes that this trade will damage New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter.

Footage of Indonesian slaughter practices can be seen here (warning, graphic images).
http://www.banliveexport.com/take_action/indonesia-new-evidence-2012/

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