Littleproud's call dubbed "lily-livered" as live exports continue through hot Middle Eastern summer

Littleproud's call dubbed "lily-livered" as live exports continue through hot Middle Eastern summer

A Federal Government-ordered review into live export has returned several key recommendations for the trade, however sheep exports to the Middle East will continue during the most dangerous months of the year.

While the RSPCA has called for a blanket ban on live sheep exports during the northern hemisphere's hot summer months, when sheep fatalities reach their peak, Federal agriculture minister David Littleproud has dismissed the plea.

Instead, Littleproud accepted livestock vet Michael McCarthy's recommendations that stocking density on ships should decrease by up to 28 per cent during the hotter months.

Animal Australia's Lyn White has slammed the Government's actions in response to the review, calling it an appalling breach of faith in favour of profit margins over humanity.

"This is a lily-livered government response designed to protect exporters, not animals," she said.

Both the Australian Veterinary Association and the RSPCA have declared it impossible to humanely export live sheep during summer.

Stocking density is one among several changes to the live export trade that the review has recommended.

The government has proposed harsher penalties for dodgy exporters, including jail terms of up to 10 years for company directors and individuals.

Increased fines will also be legislated within the coming weeks, ranging between $420,000 for individuals and $4.2 million for companies.

Any live export voyage with a mortality rate of more than one per cent will be investigated by an independent regulator.

All sheep and cattle ships will have an independent observer on board feeding back vision and reports to the regulator on a daily basis.

While Littleproud told reporters in Sydney that "no sane human being" would accept animal cruelty, he also said the government needs to support farmers.

"We have got a responsibility to stay and get it right. We have a responsibility to the animals, but also to our farmers."

Federal Labor calls for an end to live sheep exports

There is little to be proud of in the wake of the live export controversy

 

Never miss a news update, subscribe here. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Subscribe Now!
Four time-saving tips for automating your investment portfolio
Partner Content
In today's fast-paced investment landscape, time is a valuable commodity. Fortunately, w...
Etoro
Advertisement

Related Stories

"Irreconcilable differences": President of Ecofibre's textile business joins lawsuit, resigns

"Irreconcilable differences": President of Ecofibre's textile business joins lawsuit, resigns

Two senior executives from Ecofibre's (ASX: EOF) highest revenu...

PharmAust suffers board exodus as chairman among a spate of shock departures

PharmAust suffers board exodus as chairman among a spate of shock departures

The surprise announcement by Dr Michael Thurn to resign as CEO of P...

Shock sacking of Australian Vintage CEO puts merger plans with Accolade Wines in turmoil

Shock sacking of Australian Vintage CEO puts merger plans with Accolade Wines in turmoil

Australian Vintage (ASX: AVG) and its potential merger with Austral...

Go1 co-founder Vu Tran to leave edtech unicorn, hopes legacy will be further startup spin-offs

Go1 co-founder Vu Tran to leave edtech unicorn, hopes legacy will be further startup spin-offs

Go1 co-founder Vu Tran has today announced he will be stepping back...