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57,000 sheep trapped at sea
29 Aug 2003
Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Agriculture Minister Warren Truss have suspended the $195 million-a-year live animal trade to Saudi Arabia after talks broke down over a banned consignment of 57,000 sheep. The Ministers took the decision on animal welfare grounds following Saudi Arabia's statement it would inspect the sheep again in 7-10 days for suspected scabby mouth. We can't have the sheep staying on board the ship for that period of time in the heat, Mr Truss said.
The Saudi action marks a breakdown in government protocol negotiated to overcome the problems that have beset the live sheep trade. The Federal Government previously suspended the trade between 1991 and 2000.
The RSPCA, Australian Veterinary Association and animal welfare group Animals Australia welcomed the decision. LiveCorp, which oversees the live animal trade, also backed the move, as did the Sheepmeat Council of Australia. Council president Bill Whitehead said Australian producers' first and foremost concern is for the welfare of the livestock they produce; trade must be halted until guidelines for the future entry of Australian livestock are agreed between the two countries.
It is believed that negotiations have been held with the United Arab Emirates to take the sheep.
The Australian, 29/8/03, page 6.
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