ARAN Supporters Stage Die-In On Steps of Australian Embassy

Ban Cruel Live Exports

ARAN activists recently staged a protest on the steps of the Australian embassy in Dublin to call for an end to live cruel sheep exports from Australia. Our activists cordoned off the area as a crime scene with barrier tape reading 'crime scene do not enter' whilst the 'sheep' played dead and covered in fake 'blood' layed on the steps, whilst other members held placards calling for an end to the cruel live export of sheep. Press coverage was fantastic helping to direct the public's attention to cruelty to animals - all in all a very positive, upbeat event to draw attention to a very serious issue.

Millions of live sheep are subjected to a gruelling months-long road and sea journey from Australia to the Middle East every year.

They travel in hot, poorly-lit dens with three sheep crushed into each square metre. Tens of thousands die each year from hunger, unable to recognise the concentrated pellets on the ships as food. Still more are killed or injured if they slip or fall, smothered by the other animals. Their bodies remain in the densely crowded holding area, sometimes for weeks. Those that survive are roughly unloaded and taken to ‘fattening plants’ before being slaughtered in deplorable conditions.

The journey is unnecessary – 80% of Australian abattoirs are Halal-certified and supermarkets in the Middle East already sell chilled meat imports alongside meat from the live trade. It is also cruel – most countries in the Middle East need to develop national rules to protect the welfare of animals during transport, handling and slaughter.

Please visit www.goveg.co.uk to learn how you can help stop this cruelty and misery and to try or go vegetarian!