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Sheep sea drama poses threat to future trade
25 Sep 2003
The live sheep drama continues as Middle Eastern countries refuse to take the shipment rejected by Saudi Arabia. After seven weeks at sea, the MV Cormo Express remains stranded off the United Arab Emirates coast as attempts to find another market continue.
Australia's live animal trade with Saudi Arabia is still suspended and industry leaders are warning of major problems if the market is not re-opened soon.
The Federal Government is refusing to bow to pressure from animal welfare groups to have the animals put down humanely, amid concerns that fodder and water supplies could soon run out.
Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said reports from the Australian vet on board indicated the animals are in good health. Mr Truss said that "unsympathetic" reporting of the situation is hindering efforts to find another market as it's undermining the confidence of potential buyers.
Labor claims that the ship was refused entry to a UAE port to take on extra water and fodder and is being forced to use small barges to get new supplies on board. But Government sources and Livecorp says they believe the ship still has several days of fodder and water left. They said most of the 3,770 animals that have died did so when the ship was initially moored in Saudi Arabia.
Weekly Times, 24/9/03, page 3.
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