THE RSPCA is calling for clarification from the Government on its plans to weaken the only regulatory frame work in place aimed at providing basic standards of handling, transport and slaughter for Australian exported animals – the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).
ESCAS was put in place in response to the Australian community outrage after the horrors of the live export trade were exposed in 2011.
The RSPCA has not been consulted or informed about these changes prior to this announcement, which raises our suspicions about its true intent.
This is an industry that has proven time and time again that it can’t be trusted, the last thing it needs is a ‘light regulatory touch’.
Despite regular requests, the RSPCA and Australian community including producers have no publicly available information about supply chains overseas and their performance.
The RSPCA therefore have no confidence that the changes announced will not risk animal welfare.
Source: RSPCA
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.