July 27, 2011

Australia to resume live cattle exports to Indonesia soon

Australia's live cattle exports to Indonesia could resume as early as next week, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) says.

The federal government has lifted its suspension on the live export trade, imposed in early June after shocking footage of the mistreatment of animals in Indonesia was aired on Australian television.

But it has imposed a new requirement that exporters ensure animal welfare standards, from Australia to the slaughter floor in Indonesia.

MLA managing director Scott Hansen said one company had met those requirements and was preparing to load a boat bound for Indonesia.

"We're starting to see the re-emergence of these supply chains that are going to be able to start re-exporting cattle out of the top end."

Hansen said the MLA was aware of animal cruelty in Indonesian abattoirs before the airing of the footage, but said it was not "the norm nor widespread".

He stressed the importance of achieving a "supply-chain programme" which would see any future animal cruelty claims focus on an individual exporter rather an industry as a whole.