A new trade protocol between Australia and China opens the door for the industry to export kangaroo meat and skins to China. However apparently the Chinese are worried about their reputation and are well aware of the international iconic status of our kangaroos as well as food safety concerns after Russia announced a total ban on importing kangaroo meat for this reason.

To take action, please write to:

Chinese Ambassador to Australia – Xiao Qian

https://www.facebook.com/ChinainAus
Tel: 0061-2-62283999, Fax: 0061-2-62283836
E-mail: au@mofcom.gov.cn

Lisa Nie, Economic and Commercial Advisor to the Ambassador
niesha@chineseembassy.org.au

Ask them not to allow the import of kangaroo meat into China. Here are a few suggested points for your letter:

• The import of kangaroo meat to China will put the future of our most iconic Australian animal at serious risk. The import will result in a huge increase in the number of kangaroos being killed in Australia – when they are a protected species already in severe decline.

• Systemic food safety and hygiene violations in the industry recently lead to the Russian government announcing a total ban on importing kangaroo meat.

• A recent two-year investigation revealed that carcasses were contaminated by dangerous bacteria, including E.coli, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. This investigation clearly indicated that food safety problems are not sufficiently under control in the kangaroo industry.

* The commercial killing of kangaroos is a cruel industry. Kangaroo babies (Joeys), are decapitated or killed with a blow to the head. When they escape, they are helpless without their mother and left to starve.

* You can also read the report on Diseases in Kangaroo Meat,
by Dr. David Obendorf, BVSc (Hons), B(An)Sc, PhD (Melbourne) Chairperson, Wildlife Advisory Committee.

To read our media reports on China click on news links below:

• Bob Irwin to China: ‘Don’t Eat Our Roos’ – September 2009
• ‘We Don’t Eat your Pandas, So Leave Our Kangaroos Alone’, Irwin tells China – September 2009