Indonesia
cattle being lifted by a crane from ropes tied to their heads
January 8, 2013 - via ABC Australia
Animal rights activists have denounced the "cruel" treatment of cattle in Indonesia after pictures emerged of cows being lifted by a crane from ropes tied to their heads.
It is another blow to the country's reputation for dealing with livestock following international criticism in 2011 when the ABC's Four Corners program aired footage of Indonesian abattoir workers torturing cows shipped from Australia.
The scandal prompted the Government to suspend live exports to Indonesia for a month.
In the latest pictures, taken by an AFP photographer, a crane is shown transferring three bony cows from a boat in the eastern Javanese city of Surabaya using a loop of rope around their skulls.
Another photograph shows seven live cows being lifted in a similar fashion in one group, with their necks outstretched.
The boat transporting the cattle had come from Sumbawa island, around 500 kilometres east of Surabaya, but it is not clear whether that is where the cattle were reared.
The cattle were to be transported to the capital Jakarta, according to a worker in the operation who declined to give his name.
It is not known which company was transporting the cattle.
While a large number of cattle are transported around Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, it is not normal practice to lift animals up by their heads.
"It is crazy that cruel practices are still happening," Jakarta Animal Aid Network campaigner Benvika told AFP.
Indonesian Veterinary Association chairwoman Wiwiek Bagja said animal welfare laws in effect since 2009 did not work because they do not actually lay out what punishments people should face for animal cruelty.
"In short, Indonesia is very far from implementing and enforcing the law," she said.
WSPA’s response to images of cattle cruelty in Indonesia
January 9, 2013 - Via WSPA Humane Chain
WSPA has called on the Indonesian Government to take swift action in relation to recent pictures showing cattle being lifted by a crane from ropes tied to their heads.
The distressing images were taken while the animals were being unloaded from a boat in the eastern Javanese city of Surabaya while in transit to Jakarta.
Dr Rob Gregory, WSPA’s Regional Programme Director for Humane and Sustainable Agriculture responded to this distressing situation:
“These images are appalling and alarming. This type of treatment is both unnecessary and unacceptable. In addition to the risk of serious injury, it is greatly distressing and causes extreme discomfort for the animals.”
“We have contacted the Indonesian Government in relation to this issue and would urge it to take steps to ensure this practice is quickly stamped out.”
In Indonesia, WSPA is supporting the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) to improve the welfare of Indonesian cattle in abattoirs by developing a detailed humane slaughter training programme to be introduced during 2013.
Dr Gregory added: “While we commend the Indonesian Government for taking action to improve animal welfare in abattoirs, we recognise there is still a great deal of work to be done. This is a prime opportunity for the Government to lead by example, and ensure that those who are responsible for animals at all stages of their lives treat them humanely and with respect.”