The livestock industry in Australia is in uproar over a decision by the federal government to suspend live cattle exports to Indonesia over animal welfare concerns, according to Radio New Zealand.
Live cattle exports to Indonesia were suspended after the screening of a graphic TV documentary showing the brutal treatment of livestock in Indonesian abbatoirs.
A subsequent public uproar led to the ban on a market which makes up about 60% of the $A750 million live export trade.
Radio New Zealand’s Sydney correspondent reports parts of the industry are accusing the government of over reacting.
The Australian Agricultural Company downgraded its full-year earnings by 23% and one major producer has threatened to dump thousands of cattle on the front lawn of parliament.
Indonesia, meanwhile, is threatening to lodge a protest with the World Trade Organisation over the decision.
— Source: Radio NZ
