Australia’s Minister for Agriculture urged to support global wildlife trade ban
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Ahead of the G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting this week, a joint letter was delivered to Australia’s Minister for Agriculture – David Littleproud which acknowledges Australia’s leadership on measures to prevent future pandemics, but calls on the Government to go further.
World Animal Protection, along with Humane Society International (HSI) and Animals Australia, is seeking support for a global phase-out leading to a ban on the trade in wild animals, specifically mammals and birds. As well as the immediate end of particularly high-risk activities such as wildlife wet markets.
Ben Pearson, Head of Campaigns for World Animal Protection said: “Minister Littleproud has been a strong voice in addressing the risks of zoonotic diseases, but at this week’s G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting he needs to go further and advocate for a global wildlife trade ban.
“The Australian Government’s current focus is on reforming the wildlife trade, but ultimately this trade must end or it will fuel future pandemics. The G20 should lead on making this happen.”
Nicola Beynon, Head of Campaigns in Australia for Humane Society International said: “We were right behind the Australian Government when they came out of the blocks early in the pandemic calling for a phase out wildlife wet markets. We strongly support them staying the course to secure this goal worldwide.
“The stakes are too high for animal welfare, conservation and human health to allow wild animal trading to continue.”
These calls are widely backed by the Australian public, research commissioned by World Animal Protection, reveals 80% of Australians want a permanent, global ban on the wildlife trade.
The signatories of the letter also want to see measures introduced to safeguard the livelihood of those who are dependent on wildlife trading, particularly in developing countries.
You can join us in calling on the Australian Government to ensure that the G20 ends the wildlife trade.
The Australian Government’s current focus is on reforming the wildlife trade, but ultimately this trade must end or it will fuel future pandemics.