The European Parliament adopted a non-legislative resolution on 12 December 2012 stating that where animals are slaughtered, they should, ‘as a principle’, be slaughtered as close to where they were produced as possible.

It calls for the EC to promote local processing where possible and says that EU hygiene legislation, while ensuring the highest level of protection for consumers, should not unnecessarily hamper the development of mobile or small-scale regional slaughter and processing facilities.

The resolution’s rapporteur, Janusz Wojciechowski, commented: "We should do everything in our power to reduce their suffering. Our call for measures to cut transport times for animals, including a concrete step towards setting an eight-hour limit for transport of animals for slaughter, proves that we do care for their wellbeing."

If only Australia were so enlightened.

Recent footage broadcast on the ABC’s 7.30 Report showing Australian cattle being treated cruelly in an Israeli abattoir has re-ignited debate about whether live export can ever be humane.

We've issued a media release with more details. Head to our media page for more.