Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
The Bendigo Livestock Exchange must provide shelter to all animals in its care
Final supporters
The Bendigo Livestock Exchange sold a massive 2.19 million sheep during the 2018- 2020 period, earning it a reputation as the second largest sheep selling center in Victoria. [1] Of those 2.19m sheep, not one was provided with shelter while consigned to the Bendigo saleyards.
According to Environment Victoria, in January 2018 Bendigo experienced a record breaking 12 consecutive days over 35°C (breaking the previous record of eight days, set in 2014). However, despite the area being the location of one of the worst heat waves to have occurred in the past 10 years, sheep sold at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange have no access to shelter. As a result, animals are subjected to scorching hot weather conditions while confined to the facility.
Agriculture Victoria, in its Sheep Shelter guidelines, states that: “Sheep should be provided with shelter in times of above or below average temperatures. This can minimise the impact of climatic extremes and prevent suffering or possibly death”. It also indicates that, “It is important that shelter is available to all animals at the same time. It is preferable that shelter includes sufficient room for all animals to be able to lie down, as this assists with cooling”. [2]
The Industry Animal Welfare Standards defines extremes of weather as:
"Temperature and climatic conditions that individually or in combination, are likely predispose to livestock to heat or cold stress. ‘Extremes’ of weather can include heavy rain, hail, snow, chilling wind and high heat, all of which can lead to conditions of heat or cold stress in livestock, particularly livestock unaccustomed to these conditions or that are compromised (eg. young, weak or ill animals)". [3]
“Victoria’s climate will continue to warm, with maximum and minimum temperatures increasing over this century” [4] Due to Climate change, extreme weather conditions in Victoria will only increase. As a result, there will be a greater need to protect all animals from heat and cold stress.
Other major Livestock Exchanges located in Victoria provide shelter. Ballarat (selling area only), Horsham, Hamilton, Pakenham and Leongatha all provide shelter for animals, therefore adhere to the guidelines set down by Agriculture Victoria.
___________________________________________________________________
We, the undersigned, call on the council of the City of Greater Bendigo to recognize and acknowledge Agriculture Victoria's Sheep Shelter guidelines and abide by the recommendation that specifies the necessity for shelter during all weather conditions.
We request that council engage an independent auditor to complete a compliance assessment report for the Bendigo Livestock Exchange. This report should focus on animal welfare concerns, workplace health and safety (WHS) and environmental impacts caused by the facility.
Council should raise the animal welfare standard at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange to, at a minimum, match the other major Victorian Livestock Exchanges. Adequate shelter should be constructed to protect the animals from the extremes of the Victorian weather.
References
[1] https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/...
[2] Sheep shelter guidelines | Health and welfare | Sheep | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
[3] INDUSTRY ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS pg. 55 Appendix 4: Definitions
https://aawcs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/33...
[4] Victorias-Climate-Science-Report-2019.pdf (climatechange.vic.gov.au)
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Updates
January 21, 2021
The petition has successfully reached one thousand signatures. This level of interest confirms the public demand for improved welfare standards at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 20, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
January 5, 2021
January 4, 2021
The campaign is approaching the goal of one hundred signatures. Please use your personal social media channels to highlight the current lack of shelter at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange so we can reach this threshold.
853 Comments
Council should raise the animal welfare standard at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange to, at a minimum, match the other major Victorian Livestock Exchanges. Adequate shelter should be constructed to protect the animals from the extremes of the Victorian weather.
Its absolutely appalling that so much money is made from exploiting these sentient beings, yet there is zero consideration for or financial investment in meeting even their most basic need, for shelter. Despicable human greed and selfishness at its worst.
We, the undersigned, call on the council of the City of Greater Bendigo to recognize and acknowledge Agriculture Victoria's Sheep Shelter guidelines and abide by the recommendation that specifies the necessity for shelter during all weather conditions.
Dear Bendigo Council... If you think keeping these sheep in extreme conditions is ok. Then go stand outside in the sun with no water or shade for say 2-3 hrs & get back to me with how you feel!! Assuming you have not already passed out due to heat exhaustion.
Please provide shade for these animals plus water for them all. They are at sale yards long enough also take into account they may then be transported for long journeys afterwards. I guess you can't cancel as its peoples livelihood, but humane practises please
Please, in the true name of humanity.
I am shocked to see these animals being treated like this! It’s cruel and inexcusable!There needs to be action taken against this practice.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
The Bendigo Livestock Exchange must provide shelter to all animals in its care
Final supporters
The Bendigo Livestock Exchange sold a massive 2.19 million sheep during the 2018- 2020 period, earning it a reputation as the second largest sheep selling center in Victoria. [1] Of those 2.19m sheep, not one was provided with shelter while consigned to the Bendigo saleyards.
According to Environment Victoria, in January 2018 Bendigo experienced a record breaking 12 consecutive days over 35°C (breaking the previous record of eight days, set in 2014). However, despite the area being the location of one of the worst heat waves to have occurred in the past 10 years, sheep sold at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange have no access to shelter. As a result, animals are subjected to scorching hot weather conditions while confined to the facility.
Agriculture Victoria, in its Sheep Shelter guidelines, states that: “Sheep should be provided with shelter in times of above or below average temperatures. This can minimise the impact of climatic extremes and prevent suffering or possibly death”. It also indicates that, “It is important that shelter is available to all animals at the same time. It is preferable that shelter includes sufficient room for all animals to be able to lie down, as this assists with cooling”. [2]
The Industry Animal Welfare Standards defines extremes of weather as:
"Temperature and climatic conditions that individually or in combination, are likely predispose to livestock to heat or cold stress. ‘Extremes’ of weather can include heavy rain, hail, snow, chilling wind and high heat, all of which can lead to conditions of heat or cold stress in livestock, particularly livestock unaccustomed to these conditions or that are compromised (eg. young, weak or ill animals)". [3]
“Victoria’s climate will continue to warm, with maximum and minimum temperatures increasing over this century” [4] Due to Climate change, extreme weather conditions in Victoria will only increase. As a result, there will be a greater need to protect all animals from heat and cold stress.
Other major Livestock Exchanges located in Victoria provide shelter. Ballarat (selling area only), Horsham, Hamilton, Pakenham and Leongatha all provide shelter for animals, therefore adhere to the guidelines set down by Agriculture Victoria.
___________________________________________________________________
We, the undersigned, call on the council of the City of Greater Bendigo to recognize and acknowledge Agriculture Victoria's Sheep Shelter guidelines and abide by the recommendation that specifies the necessity for shelter during all weather conditions.
We request that council engage an independent auditor to complete a compliance assessment report for the Bendigo Livestock Exchange. This report should focus on animal welfare concerns, workplace health and safety (WHS) and environmental impacts caused by the facility.
Council should raise the animal welfare standard at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange to, at a minimum, match the other major Victorian Livestock Exchanges. Adequate shelter should be constructed to protect the animals from the extremes of the Victorian weather.
References
[1] https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/...
[2] Sheep shelter guidelines | Health and welfare | Sheep | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
[3] INDUSTRY ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS pg. 55 Appendix 4: Definitions
https://aawcs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/33...
[4] Victorias-Climate-Science-Report-2019.pdf (climatechange.vic.gov.au)
Updates
January 21, 2021
The petition has successfully reached one thousand signatures. This level of interest confirms the public demand for improved welfare standards at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 20, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
January 5, 2021
January 4, 2021
The campaign is approaching the goal of one hundred signatures. Please use your personal social media channels to highlight the current lack of shelter at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange so we can reach this threshold.
853 Comments
I am appalled to read about this cruelty at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange. It is unacceptable and must be addressed. I come from a long line of sheep farmers and nothing justifies animal cruelty. I request the City of Greater Bendigo to take urgent action.
Council should raise the animal welfare standard at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange to, at a minimum, match the other major Victorian Livestock Exchanges. Adequate shelter should be constructed to protect the animals from the extremes of the Victorian weather.
Its absolutely appalling that so much money is made from exploiting these sentient beings, yet there is zero consideration for or financial investment in meeting even their most basic need, for shelter. Despicable human greed and selfishness at its worst.
We, the undersigned, call on the council of the City of Greater Bendigo to recognize and acknowledge Agriculture Victoria's Sheep Shelter guidelines and abide by the recommendation that specifies the necessity for shelter during all weather conditions.
Dear Bendigo Council... If you think keeping these sheep in extreme conditions is ok. Then go stand outside in the sun with no water or shade for say 2-3 hrs & get back to me with how you feel!! Assuming you have not already passed out due to heat exhaustion.
Please provide shade for these animals plus water for them all. They are at sale yards long enough also take into account they may then be transported for long journeys afterwards. I guess you can't cancel as its peoples livelihood, but humane practises please
Please, in the true name of humanity.
I am shocked to see these animals being treated like this! It’s cruel and inexcusable!There needs to be action taken against this practice.
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I am appalled to read about this cruelty at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange. It is unacceptable and must be addressed. I come from a long line of sheep farmers and nothing justifies animal cruelty. I request the City of Greater Bendigo to take urgent action.