Review into live sheep exports during Middle Eastern summer announced
A “short, sharp review” of live exports of sheep during the Middle Eastern summer will occur after video footage has sparked animal welfare concern.
Announced by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, he said pre-emient vet, Dr Michael McCarthy will conduct a review within four to five weeks.
“This will be a short, sharp review looking into the standards of the northern summer trade to give confidence in those boats and the standards in which those sheep go to the Middle East,” Littleproud said.
Littleproud has organised the review after he was shown footage of sheep on a vessel from August 2017 that was headed to the Middle East. Approximately 2, 400 sheep died during the journey.
The footage was then aired on Channel Nine, initiating concern from the public.
Littleproud said it was important to take decisive action because the livelihoods of farmers and their families are at stake.
“It’d be great if the live export industry led on this issue and had already taken strong action by the time this review comes back,” Littleproud said.
“If I have to drag them kicking and screaming, I will, but I’d prefer they led and proved to the Australian people they are serious about cultural change.”
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