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VFF challenges activists' claim: we tainted feed
20 Nov 2003
The Victorian Farmers' Federation has challenged a claim by Animal Liberation activists that they tainted the feed of 70,000 sheep and cattle about to leave for the Middle East on the live export carrier Al Shuwaikh, by putting pig meal into the feed and water. If true, the sheep would be unacceptable in Muslim countries. The VFF said the claim was unlikely but State Government veterinary inspectors have been sent to Portland to test the feed and water, as AQIS will not clear the shipment for export until the contamination claim is found to be groundless.
If the claim is proven, the VFF wants charges to be laid under a Victorian law which prohibits the feeding of animal products to ruminants, including sheep.
The Federal Agriculture Minister described the alleged sabotage as "appalling", saying animal rights groups should work with the industry and not risk hurting the animals they say they want to protect. Live export is a legitimate and important trade for Australia, he said.
The Age, 20/11/03.
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