On this day two years ago news services across the country relayed one of Australia’s most horrific livestock trucking accidents. On May 31st, 2012 a truck carrying around 400 sheep overturned on a highway overpass whilst turning on to the Princess Freeway at Laverton North causing the animals to rain down on to the freeway below.
It was to be the second time in the space of weeks that a livestock truck had crashed turning on to the Princess Freeway, with tragic consequences.
Whilst ‘miraculously’ no human lives were lost, the animal toll revealed a most different and grisly story. Amidst the carnage, dead sheep were strewn over the gruesome scene as others, some horrifically injured wandered dazed and bloodied about amongst the damaged cars on the busy and dark highway. All were rounded up and either shot at the scene or reloaded to complete their journey to their death. All but one, Molly ‘the unsinkable’ Brown, somehow beat the odds. Read her story here.
So what have we learned? Since this time livestock truck accidents continue to claim the lives of hapless farm animals. Top heavy large vehicles suffering the vagaries of shifting animals, driver fatigue and tight schedules, put not only the animals themselves at risk but also other road users.
Over the years the spotlight of animal concern has shone on the conditions and treatment farm animals face on farms across the country as well as at the slaughterhouses that ultimately takes their lives. Much focus, and just concern, is paid to the untenable and cruel live export industry but little has been done to address this most pressing issue of livestock transport within this country.
Whilst the quest for cheaper food and animal products continues, animals will always pay the ultimate price. But it doesn’t have to be this way; the key to a kinder world for animals rests with us. Every choice we make is a vote for the world we wish to live in. Please, for the sake of all the not so lucky Mollies choose wisely and kindly and watch the seeds of your kindness grown.
