APPALLING video footage of Australian sheep suffering at sea has raised concerns about serious animal welfare failures across Australia’s live export industry this week.
The footage, released by Animals Australia on Sunday, was documented by an employee-turned-whistle blower while on board routine live sheep voyages bound for the Middle East last year.
It shows sheep suffering severe heat stress, suffocating and “cooking alive” in the metal hulls of the vessels as extreme outside temperatures peaked between 40 and 50 degrees during the scorching northern summer.
While around 2400 sheep died on board one of the Emanuel Exports vessels, living sheep shared their overcrowded pens with decomposed bodies and had restricted access to food, water and rest.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the conditions were “completely at odds” with his own expectations and those of the community.
“The footage is truly horrific,” Mr Pasin said.
“Having grown up farming, I understand the care that farmers provide to their animals – this should not be at odds with their treatment during export.
“This is why Australia requires levels of animal welfare much higher than other countries throughout the live export supply chain, from paddock to slaughter.”
Mr Pasin said a sustainable live export trade with regard to animal welfare outcomes was an important contributor to jobs in rural communities.
“It gives prosperity to cattle, sheep and goat producers and their families through providing vital extra options for sale and increases returns to the farm gate,” he said.
“The government is urgently investigating information and footage provided of on-board conditions on a number of live export voyages to the Middle East so it can take further action against those responsible.
“The Coalition Government supports farmers who rely on the live export trade and the exporters who do the right thing.”
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said a review into the northern summer live sheep export trade was expected to be completed in four to five weeks.
