Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The department, through the Live Animal Export Program, provides the certification required for a dog to be exported. This activity is regulated under Part 3 of the Export Control (Animals) Order 2004.

* The department does not have information available prior to 2010 regarding the number of greyhounds exported due to data being collated by species to a country not by breed.

(2) Please refer to the answer to question 1.

(3) Please refer to the answer to question 1.

The department can not specify how many greyhounds are exported for the gambling industry as there is no legislative requirement for information to be provided on the purpose or end use of the export of companion and other animals. (

(4) The Australian Government is aware of allegations by animal welfare groups about mistreatment of greyhounds in Macau. The Australian Government has not been provided with substantiated evidence to support claims of adverse animal welfare outcomes.

(5) The Australian Government is aware of the campaigns.

(6) (a) The Export Supply Chain Assurance System is for the export of feeder and slaughter livestock only and does not apply to the export of companion and other animals.

All dogs exported from Australia are required under the Export Control (Animals)Order2004 to be inspected by a veterinarian. Each dog must be found to be in good health and fit for travel by the veterinarian before the department will issue an export permit and health certificate.

(b) The Australian Government has not been provided with substantiated evidence to support claims of adverse animal welfare outcomes.

Australia supports the efforts of governments in other countries to improve animal welfare in many ways, including through providing information on animal welfare standards and systems used in Australia.

(7) (a) The Australian Government has provided advice to Greyhounds Australasia when sought.

(b) The Australian Government is aware of the Greyhounds Australasia review.

(c) Yes

(d) The Australian Government has been consulted and will in due course consider the recommendations from Greyhounds Australasia's review.

(8) The Australian Government is aware of a petition that was sent to the Prime Minister in November last year. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was provided a copy and has not yet responded.

(9) No