“The treatment of animals at the Ballarat saleyards is not what we expect in the twenty first century," said Belinda Coates, The Greens candidate for the Lower House District of Ballarat West.

“I have seen video footage showing the treatment of animals at the Ballarat saleyards that would turn the hardest stomach,” said Belinda Coates. “Ballarat is the biggest stock saleyard in Victoria and should be a model for how livestock are treated when they are sold."

“There are not enough animal inspectors to police incidents of mistreatment, and the $10 fine for transporting animals in poor conditions is hardly a financial deterrent,” said Belinda Coates. “The crowded conditions and the meager, exposed and ageing infrastructure add to the problems at the saleyards.”

“Strategies to look after animal welfare in Ballarat lag behind saleyard practices at places like Horsham,” said Belinda Coates.

In state parliament after the November 25 elections, The Greens will “The treatment of animals at the Ballarat saleyards is not what we expect in the twenty first century," said Belinda Coates, The Greens candidate for the Lower House District of Ballarat West.

“I have seen video footage showing the treatment of animals at the Ballarat saleyards that would turn the hardest stomach,” said Belinda Coates. “Ballarat is the biggest stock saleyard in Victoria and should be a model for how livestock are treated when they are sold."

“There are not enough animal inspectors to police incidents of mistreatment, and the $10 fine for transporting animals in poor conditions is hardly a financial deterrent,” said Belinda Coates. “The crowded conditions and the meager, exposed and ageing infrastructure add to the problems at the saleyards.”

“Strategies to look after animal welfare in Ballarat lag behind saleyard practices at places like Horsham,” said Belinda Coates.

In state parliament after the November 25 elections, The Greens will work to:
- end all practices that inflict unreasonable or unnecessary suffering on animals in agricultural industries,
- provide consumer education on the environmental and animal welfare impacts resulting from their choices,
- ensure that cruel acts and practices against animals by corporate and private offenders are treated as serious crimes,
- comprehensively review and amend current legislation and codes of practice to better protect animal welfare in all areas.

For more information and comment, please contact:
Jon Stanger on (mob) 0415 755 181 or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213.

Background:
- Monday 2nd October is World Farm Animals Day.