End the cruelty

AN AUSTRALIAN Federal Labor MP pushing for a freeze on live cattle exports to Indonesia has rejected a compromise solution put forward by Meat and Livestock Australia.

The morality of exporting live cattle has been hotly debated in Australia since ABC's Four Corners program aired footage of cattle being mistreated in Indonesian abattoirs.

Meat and Livestock Australia says cattle could be sent to 25 slaughterhouses in Indonesia that meet world animal health guidelines.

But MP Janelle Saffin says she does not trust Meat and Livestock Australia to effectively police the abattoirs and the proposal does not go far enough.

“At this stage we can't be assured how the cattle are going to be treated and until we know that the ban, or the halting, is the best solution,” Ms Saffin said.

In an effort to highlight the issues locally, Grafton Animal Rescue will be staging a rally to end live export on June 18 in Market Square.

Pam Holmes of Grafton Animal Rescue wants as many local residents as possible to turn out for the event.

“We would love for you to show your support for this issue, rarely have so many people and organisations come together as one voice,” she said.