Live-export cattle deaths spark outrage
The deaths of 266 cattle on the live-export ship MV Ocean Shearer, confirmed yesterday by Wellard Group managing director Steve Meerwald, has sparked outrage among animal protection groups.
More than 16,000 cattle left Fremantle for Egypt on February 23, along with around 40,000 sheep. The 266 deaths translate to a mortality rate of 1.6%, exceeding the legal acceptable limit of 1% by over 100 head of cattle. According to Australian government statistics, 923 cattle and 32,000 sheep died on live export ships in 2009.
The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the deaths, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service taking the lead roles.
The cause of the deaths is presently unknown, although Mr Meerwald told The West Australian that the vessel experienced several delays, and that the cattle were believed to have suffered from respiratory difficulties. He also ruled out problems with the ship’s feed, water or ventilation systems.
The MV Ocean Shearer, previously the MV Stella Deneb, was built in 1980 and refurbished in 2002. It was purchased by Wellard in 2009, and is often listed as the world’s largest livestock transport vessel.
The booming Australian live export trade has drawn continuous criticism from animal welfare groups, regarding the number of animal deaths at sea, and also regarding the uncertain fate of Australian livestock once they reach their destinations.
“This shipment is a disaster for the live export industry. These animals suffered and died on one of their flagship vessels which again proves that the inherent risks of exporting live animals by sea can never be overcome,” said Animals Australia executive director Glenys Oogjes.
“We don’t know why these animals died as yet, but we do know that they suffered and died unnecessarily. It is outrageous to be exporting live animals to Egypt when they have shown that they will import chilled meat from Australia if we don’t provide them with the alternative of live animals.”
Mr Meerwald told ABC’s PM that the cattle deaths were an isolated incident.
“To put in context we’ve moved 7,000 cattle on one shipment from Darwin to Indonesia with two ports of discharge, with zero losses. So, it just emphasises the fact that this is not a common run of the mill that’s going to happen every time; these are the sort of results we’re going to accept. We won’t accept them,” he said.
“We need to have them fully investigated and make sure that we understand what’s happened and put in place measures to ensure that anything that could have been done different is done different.”
In addition to protesting animal cruelty, RSPCA CEO Heather Neil decried the effect that live animal export has had on the Australian meat industry.
“The absurd part of this whole situation is that while these cattle were suffering at sea, Australian workers in our meat processing industry were being laid off due to a shortage of animals,” she said.
“Every animal we send overseas for slaughter takes Australian jobs with it and for little economic reward. Last year our beef exports were worth five times more to the Australian economy than live cattle exports.”
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Our government leaders care nothing for animals. They are only interested in economic benefits and jobs. This live export industry has proven over and over again to be cruel, damning and unsustainable. However, despite the losses and now drownings, it still continues. Are there not any ethics or standards within our Government leaders? All is about money, jobs, economic benefits and votes. The live export trade is shameful to Australia and totally cruel, yet despite objections and complaints and statistics, it continues. There is no accountability within our Federal government or the producers who support this trade.
Australia’s politicians never stop telling us what a rich country this is.
Nevertheless, if we can’t have the compassion to stop the suffering in live exports, we may be rich, but we are hardly civilised.
In fact live export is completely unnecessary. Chilled, frozen and value-added products are the only way animals should leave Australia. Not to mention that this will save our jobs and our abattoirs.
Here we go again. More animal deaths, and I guess another cover up is looming. When is live export going to stop and put jobs back into the Australian economy, especially country areas. Its the same old, same old, deaths will never stop due to lack of air filtration or climate change. AFter 30 years, you think someone would get the message, live export does not work.
Anybody who has watched video footage of live export supplied by animal activists should also view those on the websites of MLA & Livecorp. Huge improvements have been made in the transportation of animals & in their welfare upon reaching their destination, with Australian livestock experts assisting these countries in raising their standards. I am a livestock producer, but our enterprise doesn’t sell stock for live export as we supply very specific markets. So I have no axe to grind. However I hate the way the Aussie public is misled by these activists & their hysterical claims. Many of these people are vegan or vegetarian, whose ultimate agenda is to stop the slaughter of all livestock, so they are being very hypocritical in expressing their concerns for out of work meat workers.
Old bushie, you must be a moron. Even MLA can’t possibly believe its own propaganda any more. The fact that you do provws it.