The Bendigo Livestock Exchange must provide shelter to all animals in its care

This shames the whole of Australia

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

Where is the moral code of this industry and the dignity of the people involved in this ruthless trade in the name of profits? These animals suffer for decades yet nothing has been done to Help them

I know I would not like or survive outside in this heat with a woolly jumper on. Please make it law that shelter and shade is provided for the sheep and all livestock. Their lives are not much fun but at least give them some comfort.

Where is the animal welfare??? Where???

We must do better!

We travel between Melbourne and Echuca a lot. It’s always upset and often sickened me at the lack of shelter for almost every farm animal we pass by.

All mammals have a brain & central nervous system. They feel pain, heat, cold, hunger, thirst...everything. Even pleasure. Exactly the same as humans do. The choice to subject them to a life of agony is completely ours. Be part of the solution to animal cruelty.

Animals need shade. It's far too common in this country that animals have none. Cruel and inhumane.

We can do so much better by animals this is just a tiny step. Please give them shelter.

The Agriculture Act is very clear too on the need for shelter!

It's cruel in current extreme weather events and any weather over 30 degrees to have any animals standing outside, cramped, in the blaring hot sun all day. Our weather will only get hotter and hotter.

Please stop this awful situation

Appalling cruelty and lack of empathy - shame on you!

Is it not bad enough these poor animals are sold to be eaten,why should they live the rest of their lives in these dreadful conditions before they are killed. Please provide shade so these poor animals suffering is minimalist

You don't want to buy your meat already cooked, otherwise you'd buy them dead already. Stop letting them cook. Plant some god damn trees.

Humans have no regard for our animals. it is shame on Australia

This is horrible for the beautiful sheep to be treated

Absolutely horrific the torture and abuse these animals cop constantly. Not one minute are they treated with kind

The absence of appropriate shelter is straight-up animal cruelty. Make the guidelines enforceable and provide these animals with a degree of comfort, compassion and respect.