Plan for Profit: An Analysis of the Live Export Trade

Abstract

The current regime for the export of live animals from Australia is in drastic need of reform. Recent media exposes have brought the brutal nature of the live export trade to light. This trade should be abolished. Thus far, legislative attempts to do so have not succeeded. The current legal regime fails to protect the welfare of animals throughout the live export chain. This article examines the protection of animal welfare in the current regulatory system and highlights its deficiencies. It also makes some proposals for reform. For as long as the trade continues, reform is needed to ensure that animal suffering is minimised.