Floyd, Louise (2012) How abolishing (or at least reforming) Australia's live export cattle trade supports Hong Kong animal law reform and why that is desirable for both jurisdictions. Hong Kong Law Journal, 42 (2). pp. 453-479.

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Abstract

Recent research of Whitfort and Woodhouse as well as Visiting Professor Mike Radford underscores the importance to Hong Kong of animal welfare law. At the very least, it sets standards for the treatment of sentient beings and therefore benefits both humans and animals. Australian domestic standards regarding, for example, the humane slaughter of cattle, are often lauded as a benchmark to be followed in Hong Kong. Indeed, those standards are high. Yet, when Australia exports its live cattle throughout Asia, those exported Australian cows often meet an inhumane end in foreign abattoirs (which have lower welfare standards). This article argues that Australia should work together with Hong Kong to raise animal welfare standards, both in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. An important step in doing this would be to abolish (or at least substantially reform) Australia's live export trade. As recent Australian developments show, the trade is inherently cruel. Its reform would propagate high animal welfare standards in the Asia-Pacific region by demonstrating Australia's commitment to animal welfare even when foreign trade issues are raised, and by setting a benchmark standard that becomes part of the fabric of the region's law and business. Being the synthesis of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong is the ideal jurisdiction with which Australia can collaborate in this quest.

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