About Vets Against Live Export
Information repository
By archiving key government, legal, scientific and media documents spanning 40 years, VALE has ready access to accurate information on the live export trade. We are regularly consulted by Australian and international authors, journalists, scientists, politicians, advocacy groups, students (primary through to post-grad) and members of the general public. VALE also has commissioned independent Australian polls.
Scientific and legal contributions
VALE writes scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals, reviews relevant papers when invited by peer-reviewed journals, and lectures at scientific meetings such as the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Science Week and University of Sydney Continuing Veterinary Education conferences. We constantly review relevant scientific literature and industry research relating to live animal export. We also have legal advisors who analyse legislative aspects.
Government surveillance
VALE actively monitors parliamentary reports and government documents and frequently has questions raised in parliament. VALE analyses all relevant government reports, usually identifying flaws, which are then published on our website. We regularly analyse information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, including providing detailed analyses of all high mortality voyage reports (daily reports, end of voyage reports, Masters reports when made available for a particular voyage). Where inconsistencies or deficiencies are identified, VALE then seeks clarification from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR), questioning the accuracy of data provided in such reports. Receiving information from the DAWR is generally a slow process, taking from 6 months to 3 years for any satisfactory answer or FOI release, and sometimes requires pursuit through the Appeals Convenor.
Media
VALE has an active presence in the mainstream, maritime and veterinary media. Our spokesperson is frequently interviewed on TV and radio. We also provide information to the media, often supplying and verifying much of the research and background for live export stories. VALE's own media releases are available on our website.
We link with other groups through Facebook and Twitter. Our pithy blog site is widely read, with some entries receiving over 4000 views.
We link with other groups through Facebook and Twitter. Our pithy blog site is widely read, with some entries receiving over 4000 views.
Public speaking
VALE is increasingly in demand to speak at rallies, welfare forums, universities and business meetings. When we can provide a speaker (not always possible), we do so.
Monitoring Fremantle Port activity and ship tracking
VALE spokesperson Sue Foster legally observed loadings at Fremantle Port for over 18 months until she was recognised by a senior DAWR veterinarian. All public viewing at Fremantle Port was halted immediately after this, despite industry claiming they promote transparency. Numerous avenues to regain access to the Port have failed. Sue is now only able to monitor and photograph animals being trucked to port from a local vantage point on a public highway. This is slow, time consuming work but has to be done as unfit and appallingly loaded animals are still being trucked to Fremantle Port. VALE also monitors ships in Fremantle Port and tracks ship movements around the world, noting any odd movements such as resumption of trade to various countries and problem voyages.
Live export veterinarian communications
VALE has always supported conscientious live export veterinarians in the live export trade. While this trade continues, VALE strongly advocates for independent veterinarians to accompany every ship. We also advocate for compassionate and competent veterinarians with integrity to be present at feedlots to ensure optimum animal health and welfare. All communication with practising Australian Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs) is confidential unless otherwise specified by the AAV. As such, we currently provide information to and receive information from a number of employed AAVs. VALE has also provided practical support to those AAVs whose careers have suffered as a result of working in the live export trade.
Administrative
Of course, some of the time is spent on administrative duties – an organisation with over 200 members comes with quite a large amount of tasks and responsibilities, to both members, auditors and accrediting bodies. We aim to publish at least four, often six newsletters a year to our members and provide professional veterinary data for our members when requested.
