Over 250 cattle die in disastrous shipment to Egypt

The controversial re-commencement of the live cattle trade to Egypt last month has turned into a public relations disaster for the live export industry with the deaths of over 250 cattle en route on the livestock vessel the MV Ocean Shearer – one of the flagships of the live export trade.

A spokesperson for the Federal Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has confirmed that 1.6% of the 16,460 cattle that left Fremantle died en route to Egypt and that an investigation will be launched into the cause of deaths of the cattle.

Animals Australia Executive Director Glenys Oogjes said,
"This shipment is a disaster for the live export industry. These animals suffered and died on one of their flagship vessels which again proves that the inherent risks of exporting live animals by sea can never be overcome."

"We don't know why these animals died as yet, but we do know that they suffering and died unnecessarily. It is outrageous to be exporting live animals to Egypt when they have shown that they will import chilled meat from Australia if we don't provide them with the alternative of live animals."

"The live export industry has no conscience. This has been proven time and time again. They are driven by profit and will provide animals to any country regardless of how the animals will be treated there. The Rudd government will be equally culpable for animal cruelty unless they commit to ending this cruel trade" Ms Oogjes concluded.