Robert and Heidi | Stalwart Supporters

For born and bred Fremantle local Robert Glisenti and his German-born wife Heidi Kaltenbrunn, witnessing countless trucks packed with frightened animals heading towards Fremantle Port, with fear and terror in their eyes, was the catalyst to becoming dedicated Stop Live Exports supporters.

The couple, who have been dedicated animal advocates since the 1990s, agree that they are never able to forget the pain, suffering and torment of the sheep and cows they bear witness to.

 “As Fremantle residents, we’re often subjected to the sight of export ships, in fact we call them the ships from help, loading thousands of frightened animals. We hear their cries, we smell their fear and we witness the extreme cruelty up close.  It is heartbreaking,” says Robert, who has been a Stop Live Exports volunteer for over 30 years.

Robert and Heidi are typical of the majority of Australians who care deeply about animal welfare and are appalled by the cruelty of live animal export.

 “All animal export is horrid and innocent creatures should never suffer or live in fear,” says Heidi. “It is great that live sheep export will end in 2028, but we will not rest until the export of all live export from Australia is banned. 

“The industry is cruel no matter what the exporters say, or so-called observers or on-board vets.  They are paid by the industry or stand to profit from its suffering.  They have vested interests and so of course they are going to say that the long journeys are like cruises for the animals. It’s just ludicrous.

 “We are pleased, however, that after several decades of being associated with animal welfare groups, we can see how the movement has advanced, both with media action and greater education. We have noticed a shift in attitudes to increased animal welfare over the years, by people, politicians and in the community, and that really is wonderful to see.”

 As with many animal advocates, Robert and Heidi have been surrounded by animals throughout their lives.

 “We lived on a property for many years and have taken in and given a better life to kangaroos that could not be released back into the wild, along with battery hens, geese, ducks, cats and even a peacock,” explains Robert.

“Whilst many have now passed on and we are only left with the memories, those animals did more for us than we could ever imagine.  We owe them so much for the trust and joy they put into our lives.

“For Heidi and I, our vision in regards to greater animal welfare standards are for more public education and awareness, facilitated by people having conversations about animal welfare. We would like more appreciation that all the world’s animals are living breathing creatures that are intelligent and sensitive.

“Despite the animal cruelty that we have witnessed, it has been a pleasure to be involved with likeminded people through our work with Stop Live Exports and other animal welfare groups.  Over the years, our lives have been enriched by being part of the SLE community and getting to know others who are willing to stand up and be a voice for the protection of animals.

“Heidi and I will always be a voice for those that cannot defend and speak up for themselves. We will always be there, we will never give up.”