By Lenka Mitrevska
Updated 28 April 2018, 9:50pm.
Thousands have converged onto the steps of the State Library today for The Dominion Animal Rights March. Advocates of animal rights were among many who have lead the walk to promote the long awaited release of documentary, Dominion, which exposes horrific animal abuse and exploitation.
The sequel to Lucent (2013), hopes to change the current views many have on the myth surrounding animal cruelty.
Facebook event organiser Aussie Farms, Guest Speaker James Aspey, is calling on the government to implement a more strategic industry plan to regulate Australia’s modern animal agricultural practices.
“The industries thrive on telling lies and deceiving its consumers,” Mr Aspey said.
“It really is time that we overhaul the system … the government should introduce national legislation to regulate [their] processes.”
Abattoirs in Victoria are already subject to a number of laws detailing the ways in which animals should be cared for by organisations. However, many are concerned that these requirements are falling on deaf ears.
Mr Aspey hopes that with stricter procedures, and an emphasis placed on humane slaughtering practices, organisations will be held more accountable.
“The introduction of independent bodies could monitor the [slaughterhouses].” “Penalties should also be introduced and enforced when the law is broken.”
Aussie Farms have coupled up with the producers of Dominion to screen what some are calling, a true insight into the brutal treatment of Australian animals.
According to a spokesperson for Aussie Farms: “By exploring six primary facets of our interaction with animals – Pets, Wildlife, Scientific Research, Entertainment, Clothing, and Food – the film will question the morality and validity of our dominion over the animal kingdom.”
In never before seen footages, animals are being dragged, kicked, beaten and tortured by workers, in what is being described as utterly disgusting behaviour.
The push for change comes just days after disturbing content was released by numerous whistle-blowers working within other abattoirs. Videos of distressed and dead sheep being thrown off overcrowded vessels because of the squalid conditions they were kept in, has caught the attention of the public and they are demanding action.
Event goers are urging the Minister of Agriculture, David Littleproud, to introduce stringent guidelines that would encourage a nationwide revamp of animal practices.
Without action, many fear that the situation could get out of hand.
Passionate animal advocator, Mr Aiden Garrett, bearing a #WeWillRiseTogether T-shirt, is adamant that more support is needed if a voice is ever going to be given to the victims of the cruel regime.
“It truly is shameful that we could let this go on for so long,” Mr Garrett said.
“First it was the pigs. Now sheep … cattle … chickens? The industry really does not discriminate.”
“The government needs to step up. If they see that the system isn’t working, then they should improve it or ditch it. It’s as simple as that.”
With the release of the documentary pending, the four minute trailer has already struck an emotional cord with many viewers. Further protests have since been organised on social media by growing supporters of the Dominion movement.
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