Live sheep exports ‘very brutal’, says Austrian expert

A prominent Austrian animal rights activist is criticising the possible resumption of live sheep exports from New Zealand.

Since 2003 Saudi Arabia has been negotiating with New Zealand to resume live sheep exports to the Gulf region.

Dr Martin Balluch spoke at the National Animal Rights Conference held at the weekend in Western Springs.

During a public talk on Saturday night, Dr Balluch spoke about the lack of rights afforded to farmed animals and how using them is unethical.

The exportation of live stock is cruel and “very brutal”, says Dr Balluch.

He says even though there are no fundamental differences between people and animals, they continue to be wrongfully regarded as human property – as “mere production machines”.

He says this means animals are treated in whatever way maximises profitability.

Their treatment is “determined by market forces”, not by what is in their best interests, says Dr Balluch.

He says treatment during live exportation will similarly be based on the imperatives of profit.

Green MP Sue Kedgley echoes Dr Balluch’s stance in a statement.

“Sheep are jammed onto ships and forced to endure overcrowded and stressful conditions,” says Kedgley.

Concerns about New Zealand’s trade image resulted in a freeze on live sheep exports in 2003 when an Australian animal shipment was refused entry to Saudi Arabia resulting in the death of thousands of sheep on board.

But Agriculture Minister David Carter says that shipments will only resume if strict animal welfare guidelines can be met.

Dr Balluch is the president of the Austrian Association Against Animal Factories.

He has achieved notable success in the advancement of animal rights in Austria.

This includes the banning of battery chicken farming and the sale of battery eggs in supermarkets.

The Australian philosopher Peter Singer calls Dr Balluch “one of the foremost spokesmen in the worldwide animal rights movement”.