Are Aussies cruel to animals?

Ethicist says our our laws don’t protect farm animals

A PWF reader has written to us about the treatment of pregnant pigs saying that Australian ethicist Professor Peter Singer, of Animals Australia, and author of ‘The Ethics of What We Eat’, has criticized the proposed national ?Model Code of Practice? for the welfare of pigs.

Two months ago Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran announced a public consultation period – closing 31 July 06 – but most Australians don?t even know that they have an opportunity to comment, says Professor Singer, who has suggested TV ads showing the sows in their stalls, and asking the public what they think about it.

There is a debate between the industry and Animals Australia about sows being kept for months in stalls so small they can’t turn around. The new code will allow this practice for 6 weeks at a time. These stalls have been banned in the UK and Animals Australia says 38% of Australian pig producers don’t use them and can still be economically viable.

Animals Australia has a petition which you can sign by 10 July.