MACKAY district cattle producers have welcomed a plan to ban live Australian cattle exports to all but 25 Indonesian abattoirs following news some cattle were being mistreated in the country.

The decision comes as the Gillard government faces a backlash from Labor MPs, the Greens and independents over Four Corners footage showing the brutal killing of export cattle in some Indonesian abattoirs.

The footage aired on May 30.

It is proposed that animal welfare officers be stationed at each of the 25 abattoirs to ensure Australian cattle are handled to proper standards and that stunning be adopted as the killing method.

Homebush cattle producer Sam Camilleri said the solution would ensure welfare standards were met.

“The MLA (Meat and Livestock Association) need to either not supply to the abattoirs that treat the cattle bad or make sure they (Indonesian slaughterhouse workers) stick to the rules,” Mr Camilleri said.