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AUSTRALIA’S ponies, horses and donkeys are next on the Australian Government’s live-export hit list, facing a perilous journey before being slaughtered overseas for their skin and meat.

That’s the grave concern of the RSPCA, which is calling for a permanent prohibition on the export of ponies, donkeys and horses for slaughter.

It was revealed during last month’s Senate Estimates hearings that the federal Department of Agriculture was preparing regulatory changes to facilitate live export of equines.

Under questioning from Senator Derryn Hinch, departmental officials confirmed that a number of inquiries had been made about exporting horses and donkeys “in large numbers for slaughter”.

The RSPCA understands these inquiries are associated with the Chinese demand for equines. Pony, horse and donkey meat is eaten, while donkey skin is dried and ground up to make a gelatinebased substance called “ejiao’’, which is used by people who believe it is good for their appearance and vitality.

With donkey populations throughout Africa now decimated as a result, Chinese companies are looking to new sources to feed their demand – including Australia.

The RSPCA and its supporters are calling on the Australian Government to stop this cruel trade before it starts, and prohibit the live export of ponies, horses and donkeys once and for all.

JANE SPEECHLEY, RSPCA AUSTRALIA

I DECIDED to look at the facts about the Muslim religion and found that they have been at war with one another for a thousandplus years. The largest Muslim country in the world, Indonesia, even had to split the country by having different laws in one state.

I also wondered why so many Muslim refugees decided to go and settle in Christian countries instead of Muslim ones.

I also thought if I was unlucky enough to be a refugee, would I, as a devout Muslim, go to a Muslim country or a Christian country?

I found it strange when so many Muslims took to the streets in Australia when someone burnt the Koran (not in Australia), yet about the same time hundreds were killed in a mosque attack and no one protested.

Integrate – be a part of this country no matter what race, creed or religion you are and we will love you.

All other religions have. Let us all stick together, no separate communities, and live in peace.

P.S. I have been to all the above countries.

I have just seen the morning news and how much the Saudi Arabian soccer team respects us.

Is this the country that US President Trump has just made a multimillion-dollar arms deal with. They do not show respect for us but want us to respect their way of life (chopping off hands, etc.)

I suspect that they are laughing at us behind our backs. I wonder what their reaction would have been if we had shown disrespect for them in their country?

PETER ROBERTS, GOLD COAST