Australia Stops Livestock Ship From Sailing Around Africa To Israel Amidst Houthi Attacks

Add Marine Insight on Google

Australia’s government mentioned on Monday that it refused a livestock exporter’s request to send a vessel loaded with about 14,000 sheep and 1,500 cattle on a month-long trip to Israel around Africa. The animals have been on board the vessel for about a month, prompting an outcry from advocates of animal rights who’ve likened the treatment to torture.

The MV Bahijah had set sail for Israel on Jan 5 from Australia but abandoned a passage via the Red Sea owing to the risk of attack by the Houthi militia and was also ordered home by Australia’s government. The vessel has been waiting for the government’s decision to permit it to return to the sea off the coast of Western Australia for the past week.

Video Credits: Associated Press/YouTube

A few hundred cattle have been offloaded recently, but animals that disembark in Australia must be quarantined due to biosecurity laws. The agriculture ministry declared dissatisfied with the exporter’s application’s compliance with Israeli/Australian regulatory standards or the assurance that the animals’ welfare would be maintained throughout transit.

The statement claimed the animals continued to be in good health but did not provide additional details on the choice. It stated that the exporter must make commercial decisions regarding the subsequent steps for livestock on the vessel. The ministry’s department is prepared to evaluate upcoming applications.

Australia is a significant exporter of live animals and ships over half a million sheep and half a million cattle in the past year. The government is planning to halt live sheep exports in the upcoming years.

Another livestock vessel loaded with almost 60,000 animals set sail from Australia last week for the port of Aqaba on the Jordanian Red Sea.

Reference: Times of Israel

Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.