WARNING: the Lateline link in this post contain images that can be described as nothing less than utterly horrific. Although I didn’t watch it when it aired, I did watch it prior to writing this post. And I am still a total mess.

In Australia you probably need to have been living under a rock this week to have not heard about the latest investigation into the live export of animals and the latest undercover investigation by Animals Australia which aired on ABCs Lateline earlier this week.

Australia exports approximately 3 million live animals each year. Until our government can assure us that animals can be treated humanely, we need to BAN LIVE EXPORT.

Animals Australia’s vision is a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect and are free from cruelty. We believe that we can create a kinder world for all by fostering respect for animals and that our treatment of animals reflects who we are as individuals and as a society.

I share Animals Australia’s vision. Please don’t ignore this issue because it is too hard to watch or you think all of the vegans and vegetarians in the world are just trying to make a point. Please do something because of the atrocious treatment of these animals. Because they have no voice of their own. Because you can see and feel their fear when you watch these video images.

Even if you can’t watch the footage, you can probably garner from my words how incredibly distressing this is for the viewer. Imagine what it is like for the subject.

Please don’t don’t just ignore this problem. It won’t go away unless we let our government know that it is not acceptable practice. Take action now: Ban Live Export, Stop Live Export, RSPCA, PeTA. Write, email or call your local member of Parliament. Email {minister@maff.gov.au} or Tweet the Minister for Agriculture. Email {Andrew.Robb.MP@aph.gov.au} or Tweet the Minister for Trade and Investment.

Or better yet, contact ALL of them.

On a lighter note: If you are in Sydney, the Cruelty Free Festival is on this Sunday. A much happier, and anipal-friendly festival. Love Bug and I {both happy, healthy vegetarians!} will be heading along again this year. Details here.