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Sheep-feed sabotage raises fears for exports
21 Nov 2003
Victoria's chief veterinarian confirmed on November 20 that animal rights activists contaminated feed for 70,000 sheep bound for Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. He said a substance that appeared to be shredded ham had been found in one of two feedlots holding the animals, due to be loaded onto the carrier Al Shuwaikh from Portland. Animal Liberation had claimed it added pork meal and ham to food and water supplies so the sheep would be unacceptable to the Islamic countries.
Last night a man was charged with contaminating goods to cause economic loss and trespassing. Victoria outlawed the feeding of animal matter to ruminants following the BSE outbreak in the UK and Europe.
The activists have been labelled "economic terrorists" by a federal Liberal MP, David Hawker. He said the sabotage had caused massive disruption to a vital industry. The sheep will remain in their feedlots for at least a week until test results are available. The president of the Halal Certification Authority Australia said they would be fit for human consumption within three days from an Islamic point of view, however the actions risked harming Australia's long-term trade with the Middle East.
The Age, 21/11/03.
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