On Wednesday July 12, 2006, around fifteen PACAT supporters (carefully watched by the same amount of police and the police dignitary protection unit members) attended a peaceful demonstration outside the Duxton Hotel in Perth, where Minister for Agriculture Peter McGauran addressed a Meat and Livestock Australia launch of a new economic report regarding the 'value' of live animal exports. Unfortunately the Minister arrived at 6am to attend a meeting and therefore we did not get to see him, nor did he see us. However, all was not lost, the media were very interested in the new report and opposing positions. Several animal welfare groups around the country were interviewed by media representatives. PACAT spokesperson Lisa Critchley was interviewed by the ABC News, ABC Radio, ABC Rural News, Post Newspaper and the Community Newspaper.

The main message expressed at this demonstration was:

No amount of dollars justifies live animal export cruelty

A report that addresses the value of live animal export detracts from issues concerning the welfare of exported animals. No amount of money can justify the enormity of suffering Australian animals endure during their transportation and slaughter. People need to be assured that Australia is not participating in unethical and immoral business ventures and PACAT encourages the Minister for Agriculture to support a more humane chilled halal-accredited meat industry, so that Australian animals are treated according to Australian animal welfare standards and law.

Thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather to attend this demo. Because Peter didn't get to see us in our best suits - PACAT sent him a photo of this demonstration.

Peter McGauran's Press release
http://www.maff.gov.au/releases/06/06094pm.htm

The Live Export Industry: Value, Outlook and Contribution to the Economy is 1.5 megs, but there is a smaller executive summary.
http://www.livecorp.com.au/index1.cfm?category=0&objectID=564