Target: Julie Collins, Australia Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Goal: Hold company accountable for alleged brutal mistreatment of sheep exported to Jordan.
Recent allegations involving the maltreatment of sheep exported to the Hijazi & Ghosheh slaughterhouse in Jordan are alarming and warrant immediate attention. Covert footage reportedly shows sheep experiencing severe distress, with multiple instances of live sheep gasping and thrashing on the slaughterhouse floor after being improperly handled. Such actions allegedly breach Australia’s export guidelines, raising serious questions about the care provided to these animals during their journey and at the slaughterhouse itself.
The disturbing incidents described involve sheep having their throats cut and being moved, contrary to established guidelines intended to ensure humane treatment. This slaughterhouse has been flagged multiple times for similar violations, with the most recent investigation marking the sixth for Livestock Shipping Services in just seven years. This ongoing pattern of alleged disregard for animal welfare is not only troubling but suggests systemic failures in compliance monitoring and accountability by both the exporter and the regulatory authorities.
It is imperative that strong consequences be applied to those responsible for these alleged breaches. The current framework appears to allow for minimal repercussions, merely assigning additional observers to future shipments, which does little to protect the welfare of the animals. The demand is clear: Livestock Shipping Services must face penalties that reflect the gravity of these allegations and ensure that such mistreatment does not continue.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Collins,
The allegations surrounding the mistreatment of sheep exported by Livestock Shipping Services to the Hijazi & Ghosheh slaughterhouse are profoundly troubling and call for immediate intervention. Reports detail shocking footage of conscious sheep enduring severe pain and distress after their throats were cut, violating both ethical standards and the stipulations set forth by Australia’s export supply chain assurance system. These horrific scenes, seemingly showing sheep gasping for breath and being mishandled, cannot be ignored and must be addressed by holding the accountable parties to a higher standard.
Furthermore, the fact that this is not an isolated incident, but rather the sixth investigation concerning alleged breaches by Livestock Shipping Services in just seven years, highlights a serious lack of enforcement and accountability in the live export industry. The current regulatory framework appears insufficient, permitting ongoing violations while offering little more than tokenistic responses that fail to protect animal welfare. Without decisive action, this cycle of potential abuse will continue unchecked.
It is time for the Australian government to take a stand against animal cruelty and ensure that live export practices adhere to humane standards. Strong penalties must be imposed on Livestock Shipping Services for the reported violations, to deter any future misconduct and demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of animals in the export process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
