Voter views on animal welfare are changing – and taking the live sheep export trade with them

‘Change is hard … whether it is the shutdown of live sheep export or Australian car manufacturing or any other economic activity. It is important to know how we got here.’ Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP

One of the great contrasts that has struck me on city visits is the rise of dog culture.

Massive pet warehouses with owners and their dogs waiting outside to buy dog clothes, fancy food, treats, leads, collars, beds, blankets and booties. That is before they are taken to the doggy dentist on the way to doggy daycare or down to the doggy park for a doggy dalliance or perhaps a posh puppuccino.