After Realization that Animal Abuse of Imported Animals Rampant in Other countries, New Zealand Looks to Prohibit Exports of Livestock for Slaughter

This would be an excellent move and only reminds us of the horrible truth that came to life in relation to the export of live animals from Australia to Middle Eastern countries. What you’ll read is shocking. You can see the story here:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/10/
even-after-horrors-exposed-live-animal.html

Article:

New Zealand May Prohibit Exports of Livestock for Slaughter

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=
20601081&sid=a.pS6W5w_RH4&refer=australia

By Tracy Withers

Oct. 24 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand may prohibit exports of livestock for slaughter after a review into the treatment of animals in some countries.

The government will start talks with exporters and the farming industry on a interim order to gain tighter control on exports of sheep, cattle, deer and goats. Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton said in a statement e-mailed to Bloomberg News. It won't apply to exports for breeding or other purposes, he said.

Live animal exports were worth NZ$171 million ($129 million) in the year ended August, or less than 1 percent of total exports. Opponents of the trade have campaigned about animal deaths during shipment from New Zealand and Australia to the Middle East, China and Mexico.

New Zealand's decision follows a government review which ``addressed concerns about the treatment and handling of livestock, and slaughter practices in importing countries,'' Anderton said, without providing details. ``It concluded that the current policy didn't adequately manage the risks of ill- treatment and any economic consequences that might result.''

Once the prohibition was in place, individual shipments may still be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Anderton said.