Press Release

Sustainable and natural agricultural policies put forward by the Greens and animal rights activists are focussed on ending all commercial farming, according to the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA).

PGA President Rob Gillam said that recent calls by Animals Liberation Australia to seek a review of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act exemptions for on-farm surgical operations such as mulesing, castration and tail docking, and support by the Greens for legislation recognising the rights of farm animals as sentient beings shows that the true agenda of animal welfare activists is an end to all commercial farming.

“The Green animal welfare agenda includes the phasing out of all intensive meat, dairy and egg production and the immediate end to livestock exports under the guise that it will reduce pain and suffering will only serve to put an end to all commercial farming,’ PGA President Rob Gillam said.

“Mulesing and other husbandry practices such as tail docking, castration and dehorning are exempt from the Cruelty to Animals Act because they are necessary to protect stock from disease and serious injury.”

“Animal Liberation Australia believes that animals are subject to unnecessary suffering when these practices occur and are calling on the Police and the RSPCA to investigate whether farmers are using appropriate pain relief measures – with criminal charges if they are not.”

"Such measures only serve to focus the police and RSPCA’s attention from investigating serious animal welfare issues to harassing and persecuting farmers for the sole purpose of stopping them from engaging in all commercial livestock activities.”

“This is a direct attack on the livelihood of tens of thousands of Australian farming families and a direct threat to Australia’s food security.”

“Farmers continue to be told by Greens politicians and animal liberationists that if they stop live exports, animal transport and existing commercial farming practices there will be an increase in productivity; an increase in a healthier, more natural product  and a more natural life for cows, calves, sheep and lambs.”

“Livestock husbandry in Australia has evolved over many years, adopting best practice methods to minimise any undue cruelty and inhumane practices.”

“Animal liberation policies are not practical or achievable and should be revealed for what they truly are – unnatural and unsustainable.”