Live sheep exports by sea will continue – with or without SA, says major meat producer via TheCitizen_News
The demand for live ruminant animals in Middle Eastern countries remains stable and is on a growth trajectory, says Al Mawashi South Africa. Image for illustration only: iStock
Al Mawashi reported approximately R14 million in unforeseen expenses in feed, veterinary services and port costs due to the ruling, and said although the company respects the verdict, “we are obviously disappointed…” Last year, the NSPCA raised a host of welfare concerns when it came to the live export of farm animals by sea, calling for the export of packaged meat instead.
“Those that survive the voyage will… face the horrors of arriving in a country where there are no animal protection laws. They will be… handled inhumanely – and they will be slaughtered fully conscious, often by unskilled slaughterers, and in the presence of animals,” she explained in a statement last year.
“Calculations for the space allowance for each animal is done scientifically… During our past two shipments, we achieved the following mortality rates: October [2019] shipment – 0.17%, and March 2020 shipment – 0.14%. Without Al Mawashi South Africa’s business, Ally alluded to the fact that “the cycle of starvation-induced animal suffering is likely to continue, especially in the Eastern Cape,” adding that Al Mawashi’s trade in the province “has improved and positively impacted the welfare of livestock”, a fact, he said, which animal welfare groups “frequently omit”.The NSPCA’s eventual goal to ban live exports by sea may stop the industry in South Africa, but Ally said that it would not ban it worldwide.
“Demand for live ruminant animals in Middle Eastern countries remains stable and is on a growth trajectory,” Ally confirmed. Ally maintained that animals undergo a 30-day biosecurity quarantine before the journey to Middle Eastern shores, and that the South African government provides health certificates and vessel compliance.
They raised concerns that animals are often left standing in thousands of litres of wet faeces and urine due to poor drainage, which discourages animals from lying down, in addition to no bedding being provided.
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