THE latest episode of animal activists’ footage of Australian livestock exports, this time South Australian cattle being unloaded in Israel with dirty coats, has been shot down as out of context and providing no proof of mistreatment.
Government authorities, the peak cattle producer body and the Perth-based exporter involved, Livestock Shipping Services, say veterinary advice from both Australian and Israeli confirmed the cattle displayed no welfare risks upon discharge.
The footage, shot as cattle were unloaded from the Bader III in Eilat, was supplied to national television in Australia.
Cattle Council of Australia said it investigated the footage, supplied by activist group Israel Against Live Shipments, and the “mild matting across their bodies was a direct result of the animals utilising water troughs, resulting in damp faces which have then picked up sawdust, feed products and manure.”
CCA said wash down had been occurring every two days prior to the vessel’s arrival in Israel. However, due to environmental constraints, wash down cannot occur when the vessel is in port.
The Federal Government department responsible for overseeing animal welfare in the live export industry had confirmed evidence for this 22–day voyage was positive in regards to the animals’ health and welfare, CCA said.
There was an independent observer on board the voyage-an experienced qualified veterinarian who provided the department with daily updates.
The department had also confirmed Israeli veterinarians were happy with condition of livestock on arrival and the footage did not reflect the conditions of the cattle throughout the journey.
LSS said the Israeli authority performed a thorough veterinary examination of the livestock and issued approval to discharge accordingly.
“Prior to arrival, an intensive wash-down program of cattle and decks was carried out, which included the use of pine shavings as bedding,” a spokesperson said.
“The Israeli veterinary authority commented on how well the livestock and the vessel were presented, which is a credit to the ship’s crew, including the Australian veterinarian and stockmen on board.”
CCA chief executive officer Margo Andrae said: “Positive animal welfare outcomes are good for the animals, producers, and communities. That’s why as an industry we aim to achieve best practice welfare for our livestock.
Shan Goodwin
Shan Goodwin steers ACM’s national coverage of the beef industry. Shan has worked as a journalist for 30 years, the majority of that with agricultural publications. She spent many years as The Land’s North Coast reporter and has visited beef properties and stations throughout the country and overseas. She treats all breeds equally. Contact 0427686187. E: s.goodwin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Shan Goodwin steers ACM’s national coverage of the beef industry. Shan has worked as a journalist for 30 years, the majority of that with agricultural publications. She spent many years as The Land’s North Coast reporter and has visited beef properties and stations throughout the country and overseas. She treats all breeds equally. Contact 0427686187. E: s.goodwin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
