Vietnam too risky a destination for cattle

THE RSPCA recently called on the live export industry to voluntarily stop sending cattle to Vietnam until an independent review of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System could be completed, stating that new reports reveal Vietnam is the most dangerous destination for exported cattle.

Sadly Vietnam is now the main destination for cattle exported from Townsville and already more than 20 ships, each carrying thousands of cattle have left for Vietnam this year. In the 12 months to May 2019, 206,650 Australian cattle were exported to Vietnam (MLA figures).

Our government is well aware of ongoing reports of animal welfare problems in that country and knows that more than 1500 cattle and 99 buffalo from Australia have gone missing from approved feedlots or abattoirs over the last 13 months.

Fortunately for live exporters there’s no footage showing what happened to those animals. More footage like the sledge hammering of Australian cattle in Vietnam seen on national TV in 2013, 2015 and 2016 may have forced the Government to listen to voters, most of whom agree that live animal exports should be banned (Vote Compass survey April 2019).

Despite ongoing reports of animal cruelty, the industry still believes it can ensure the welfare of animals once they leave Australian shores, with more than 400 delegates expected to attend a national conference, Livexchange 2019: Welfare Beyond Borders, in Townsville in October.

When will they realise that the best way to ensure the welfare of Australian animals is to keep them inside our borders?

JENNY BROWN, Douglas.