Outspoken animal activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has had its advertisement that shows sheep jam-packed in ‘filthy stalls’ aboard a live export ship rejected by Sydney Ferries.
A spokesperson for NSW Transport said that the ad was rejected as it did not comply with the advertising contract between Transport for NSW and Harbour City Ferries which stipulates that ‘contentious issues’ in advertising material will not be permitted, The Weekly Times Now reports.
"Under the contract between Transport for NSW and Harbour City Ferries, the operator must not advertise or permit advertising `political, religious or other subject matter which is contentious or offensive'," he said.
Campaign coordinator for PETA, Claire Fryer said that the rejection of the advertisement is preventing Sydney commuters from relating to the horrors that the animals are subjected too during live export.
"It's taking away the chance for commuters to relate to the animals," she said.
"It's obviously confronting to see the reality these animals live in… however, this is the reality of live-exports."
PETA's advertisement comes at a time when live exports have once again hit headlines.
Animal welfare group, Animals Australia shot footage earlier this month that shows the serious mistreatment of Australian sheep in Jordan, including roadside sales of the animals which breaches the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).
ESCAS was set up by the Federal governement in 2011 which made livestock exporters responsible for the treatment of animals during transit, and right up to the point of slaughter.