CANBERRA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Friday launched an investigation into the "abhorrent" treatment of Australian cattle in Vietnam, while live exports are set to be suspended after shocking footage has emerged of cattle being cruelly and slowly clubbed to death.
A report which aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) 19:30 program on Thursday night revealed footage of Australian cows being inhumanely treated and killed in Vietnamese abattoirs, with many being struck with sledgehammers several times before they are finally killed.
On Friday, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull labeled the footage "deeply disturbing," while Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said Australia will suspend cattle trade with Vietnam while an investigation was being carried out.
"Immediately when we found out about this we went straight into action," Joyce said on Friday.
"The Department of Agriculture has been working closely with the industry, the abattoir has been suspended from receiving cattle, we are investigating this process but further action needs to take place and will take place."
Meanwhile Alison Penfold, Chief Executive of the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council (ALEC), said the footage aired on the ABC was some of the "most sickening" she had ever seen.
"Australian livestock exporters agree sledgehammering is an abhorrent inhumane practice that has no place in a modern society and must be stamped out."
The Department of Agriculture released a statement following the 19:30 report which confirmed that Australia would be reviewing its Vietnamese supply chains to ensure all animals were treated and killed humanely.
"The department's first priority is to ensure the humane handling of all animals exported from Australia," the statement said.
"The department is requiring exporters to review all systems, processes and facilities in their Vietnam supply chains.
"To date, four exporters have notified the department that they are suspending exports to some of their facilities in Vietnam while they review their arrangements."
