READ RECENT NEWS ABOUT OUR FARM ANIMAL CAMPAIGNS

AUSTRALIA WSPA is calling on Australian authorities to put a permanent prohibition on the live export of animals for slaughter in light of an ongoing tragedy affecting over 50,000 sheep.

The sheep have been stranded at sea in sweltering conditions for over eight weeks since the Dutch-owned livestock vessel, MV Cormo Express, was repeatedly turned away from destinations in the Middle East. The ship is currently believed to be located in the Persian Gulf with no possible port in sight to accept them.

The latest word from Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is that the government has bought back the sheep and is seeking a port in the Middle East where they will be accepted. Failing that, the sheep would endure another two-week journey back to West Australia where they would be quarantined and slaughtered. That desperate plan faces opposition from Australian farmers who fear the spread of disease to their flocks from the sheep.

Originally destined for slaughter in Saudi Arabia, the animals were turned away from the port of Jeddah due to allegedly high levels of Scabby Mouth disease. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan have also refused to accept the ship. More than 4,500 sheep have since died in swelteringly hot and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

WSPA called on the Australian government to take immediate action to stop the suffering of the remaining 50,000 sheep aboard ship. On October 2nd, WSPA and member society Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) held a protest outside of Australian High Commission in London. The RSPCA of Australia and other animal welfare groups are joining their voices to call for an end to the live export of animals for slaughter.

Major General Peter Davies CB, WSPA's Director General says, "Compassionate people worldwide will no doubt be appalled at this latest incident involving the deaths of over 4,500 sheep. The Australian authorities must take urgent action to prevent an animal welfare disaster reaching catastrophic proportions. The surviving animals should be euthanized humanely to prevent their further suffering. It is also high time that Australia prohibited its live animal export trade and replaced it with a carcass-only trade in meat.'"

Read the Director General's letters to the High Commissioner in London and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia. WSPA is urging supporters to write a letter of protest to:


The Hon Warren Truss MP
Minister for Agriculture
Fisheries & Forestry
Parliament House
Canberra
ACT 2600