Dead tuna images beyond shameful

I AM sickened by the recent series of photographs of anglers who have hooked magnificent bluefin tuna – an animal hovering perilously on the edge of extinction. How come we value creatures that live in our marine environment so much less than those on land? If it were a dead Siberian tiger or white rhino pictured under a hunter’s foot, there would be public outrage. Yet those that kill a similarly ‘‘critically endangered’’ fish are glorified.

Marine biologists agree the southern bluefin tuna is likely to be extinct within 10 years’ time. Those who catch such animals for sport should examine their consciences. Jenny Cambers-Smith

Crabtree

Wilkie right on ban

MPAndrew Wilkie seems to be the only one in the Government to be pushing for a ban on the live export trade. It makes sense to have the animals slaughtered in Australia, the meat refrigerated, and shipped via air to the overseas countries the following day, like our seafood is processed and shipped to Japan the following day. This would create jobs for our Australian workers, as well as prevent the loss of body weight and development of diseases that result from such confinement on long sea voyages. It makes a lot of sense, which is why the Government won’t be interested!

T. Parks South Hobart

Cruel export trade

BRAVO Mr Wilkie for speaking up on behalf of Australian animals. I read recently that the Indonesians were looking at purchasing cattle stations in Western Australia to ensure their food supply. Do supporters of live export realise that should this happen, not only will our cattle be exported to a cruel death, any jobs that may have been created in our own abattoirs will also be gone. If we ban live export now, when the inevitable happens and our farms are sold to overseas interests, at least jobs will remain on shore in our own abattoirs. A ban on live export may even deter some foreigners from buying up our farms.

Debbie Tomasums Baulkham Hills, NSW

Animal suffering

IN response to Mark Taylor (Letters, May 16), I find it incredulous that one could think that animals exported overseas are none of our business once they are in another country. The suffering starts as soon as the animals have boarded, thousands die en route each year. This is considered acceptable? This is an industry responsible for sending millions of Australian animals to their deaths in countries recognised as some of cruelest in the world. If people can wipe their hands so easily, it shows an incredible apathy and coldheartedness.

When our animals are exported, and they face unimaginable cruelty, it is every bit our business. One cannot send animals overseas where they are not adequately protected and not take some responsibility.

Banning live export and increasing our successful chilled meat trade is in Australia’s best economic interest. If two abattoirs were built in northern Australia, it would more than double profits for cattle producers. Lena Bodin

Taroona

Rodeo outrage

IN response to writer K. Coad (Letters, May 16), there will never be enough said while animals are targeted, victimised and bullied for entertainment purposes. Rodeo event holders may follow the law, however, a law that allows for distress to be caused to an animal needs changing. What about all the practice runs leading up to an event? What don’t we see in the lead up to these events, which are distressing enough? Roping and dragging an animal along the ground and forcing the wearing of paininducing flank straps certainly sounds like victimisation and bullying to me. Time the laws that allow this are changed. Sami Bell

Snug