SHIP TURNBACK FROM RED SEA CONFLICT ZONE SHOWS URGENCY TO END LIVE EXPORT TRADE

A live export ship approaching the Red Sea with thousands of sheep and cattle on board has been ordered to return to Australia, highlighting the elevated risks to animal welfare (and ships’ crews) in the live export trade to the Middle East.

After more than two weeks at sea, the animals on board the MV Bahijah faced the prospect of the ship being diverted around South Africa, significantly increasing the length of an already gruelling voyage. The animals who survive these trips frequently face brutal handling and fully conscious slaughter at their destination.

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO LOUISE PFEIFFER, AJP PRESIDENT

“Live export is the number one issue for Animal Justice Party members and supporters around Australia. We’re calling on the Albanese government to fulfil its 2022 election promise and bring the cruel live sheep trade to an end without delay. We also call on them to end the equally cruel live cattle trade.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROSLYN WELLS, AJP PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

“Sending sheep and cattle from Australia on long sea voyages into the increasingly unstable Middle East region shows the live export industry’s continued disregard for animal welfare. It’s well past time to end this cruel, unnecessary trade, as New Zealand has done.”

“Once these animals are beyond Australia’s jurisdiction they’re at the mercy of conflict escalation
and other external events, as well as destination countries with low or non-existent animal welfare standards.”