Lyn White of Animals Australia was one of the speakers at the Melbourne contribution to nationwide rallies on Sunday calling on the Australian Government to permanently ban live animal exports. (According to an Animals Australia press release, at a total of over 20,000 “[this] was the biggest rally for animals in Australia’s history and certainly exceeded all expectations.” Certainly the steps of Parliament House were jam-packed, and because the rally was confined to the steps and footpaths it was impossible to see the full extent from ground level.
Other speakers were RSPCA Victoria’s Dr Hugh Wirth and Adam Bandt, Greens Federal Member for Melbourne. The media were out in force, making something of a contrast with another rally later in the day, where they were marked by their absence (see following post of Save the Kimberley rally at the State Library). There were also a lot of dogs, large and small, as well as AA’s ambassador sheep Timmy.
There are text reports of the rally both on the Animals Australia website – http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/thousands-rally-against-live-export.php and in the mainstream media – for example the ABC and The Australian. See also the Animals Australia Facebook page.
Some photos from the rally:
Dr Hugh Wirth and Timmy
.
The dog at the right made a number of enthusiastic endorsements during the speeches. Timmy didn't seem to have much to say.
.
Timmy checking out the crowd
.
Waiting for the rally to start
.
Some of the placards:
.
.
.
.
The media were competing for the best vantage point
.
Some views of the crowd:
.
.
.
.
Little dog before the rally...
.
Big dog after the rally ...
