Australia to resume live exports to Iran
Australia is set to lift a 40-year ban on live animal exports to Iran, allowing sheep, cattle and goats to be transported thousands of miles to the country.
The move has sparked welfare concerns for the animals in transit. The RSPCA Australia has branded the decision a "disaster" for animal welfare.
In a statement, the charity said: "The best welfare outcome for Australian animals is for them to be slaughtered here to Australian standards.
"Rather than expanding the risky live export trade, the government should be focused on promoting the meat trade to Iran which will deliver significantly more long-term benefits to Australian producers."
According to a report by the Guardian, Australia's minister for agriculture Barnaby Joyce said exports will be resumed "as soon as possible".