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Secret reports reveal live export carnage
28 August 2007
By JODIE THOMSON
Australia’s live export trade is embroiled in fresh controversy after details of disturbing conditions aboard four shipments of sheep, cattle and goats were revealed in confidential Government reports.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service investigation reports into the 2006 shipments, which all recorded high death rates, show that during one voyage to the Middle East septicaemia caused by wounds, pneumonia and heat stress led to a big number of cattle deaths.
In another case, during an outbreak of an eye infection in sheep during a shipment from Tasmania treatment was delayed because resources were focused on cattle aboard the ship.
The WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development has confirmed it has received a formal complaint from animal rights group Animals Australia to investigate two troubled shipments which left WA ports. The department is assessing whether an investigation will be launched.
Two hundred and forty-seven cattle died during a voyage to the Middle East on MV Maysora, which loaded at Portland and Fremantle. Eighty-seven goats died on the Buffalo Express from Geraldton to Malaysia.
A recent investigation by the department into the live export trade led to animal cruelty charges being laid against WA export company Emanuel Exports over a shipment of 100,000 sheep to the Middle East three years ago. The company defended the charges during a trial in February and judgment is yet to be handed down.
Animals Australia executive director Glenys Oogjes said the group got access to the AQIS investigation report details under freedom of information laws. She believed there was sufficient information to warrant a full investigation by the WA Government as to whether the shipments had breached the WA Animal Welfare Act.
Meat and Livestock Australia general manager of livestock exports Scott Hansen said the industry was open and accountable. Shipments which recorded deaths above “reportable rates” were a minority and were subject to an AQIS investigation with a report tabled in Parliament.