tag:theconversation.com,2011:/ca/topics/live-sheep-exports-53349/articlesLive sheep exports – The Conversation2023-07-05T05:13:28Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2058312023-07-05T05:13:28Z2023-07-05T05:13:28ZWhy Australia banning live sheep exports may be a net loss for animal welfare<p>Australia’s government wants to end live sheep exports. A panel of four experts has been appointed and given a $5.6 million budget to come up with a plan to phase out the trade, worth $92 million a year. </p>
<p>Chaired by the former head of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Phillip Glyde, the panel is expected to report by the end of September. What it proposes remains to be seen. The only thing that’s certain is that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised the ban won’t happen in his first term, and that a lot more funding will be needed if no one involved in the trade is to be left worse off. </p>
<p>The thornier question is whether the ban – something animal welfare activists have campaigned for decades – will be a net gain for global animal welfare. It’s likely to mean more animals being shipped from nations with lower standards.</p>
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<h2>Scandals, bans and reforms</h2>
<p>Australia is the world’s seventh-biggest exporter of live animals by value. In 2022 it accounted for about 4.7% of the global trade, mostly shipping cattle to Asia and <a href="https://oec.world/en/profile/hs/sheep-live#:%7E:text=Overview%20This%20page%20contains%20the,0.0077%25%20of%20total%20world%20trade">sheep</a> to the Middle East. These markets either lack reliable refrigeration and cold-chain facilities for processed meat or <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/animal/welfare/export-trade">have a cultural preference</a> for freshly slaughtered meat adhering to specific practices, like halal.</p>
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<p>Currently there is a ban on sheep being shipped to the <a href="https://oia.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/posts/2020/04/final_ris_-_live_sheep_exports_to_the_middle_east_-_northern_hemisphere.docx">northern hemisphere in summer</a>, after 2,400 sheep died on a journey to the Middle East in 2017. There have also been temporary suspensions to individual countries over the past two decades. </p>
<p>Exports to Indonesia were suspended for six weeks in 2012, following an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-08/a-bloody-business---2011/2841918">ABC Four Corners expose</a> of cruelty to cattle in abattoirs. </p>
<p>Trade to Egypt was suspended in 2013 and 2006, again over cruelty to cattle in abattoirs. Shipments to Saudi Arabia were suspended between 2003 and 2005, after <a href="https://lawaspect.com/background-to-the-cormo-express-incident/">58,000 sheep were stranded at sea for three months</a> after Saudi authorities refused to let them disembark due to an outbreak of the viral disease <a href="https://farmerhealth.org.au/2014/03/21/scabby-mouth-orf">scabby mouth</a>.</p>
<p>These scandals, however, have led to significant reforms in the industry, with the federal government imposing stringent obligations on exporters for trade to resume. </p>
<p>As a result, Australia can boast that it <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/animal/welfare/export-trade">leads the world</a> in animal welfare practices. </p>
<p>It is only country that requires exporters to safeguard the welfare of animals from the paddock to the point of slaughter in abattoirs in other countries. This is a rare example of the principle of extended producer responsibility being practised. The World Organisation for Animal Health recommends this but does not require it. </p>
<h2>Regulating treatment in importing nations</h2>
<p>Two sets of Australian regulations oversee the treatment of animals being shipped for slaughter overseas. From the farmgate to the ship is covered by the <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/australian-standards-livestock">Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock</a>. These were introduced in 2021.</p>
<p>Treatment in importing countries is covered by the <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/exporters/escas">Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System</a> (ESCAS). These rules were instituted in 2011, following the expose of mistreatment in Indonesian abattoirs. </p>
<p>They require exporters to ensure all handlers and facilities (ports, transport vehicle, feedlots and abbatoirs) in importing countries to comply with both local and Australian welfare guidelines.</p>
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<img alt="Sheep aboard the live export ship Al Messilah before it leaves Fremantle for the Middle East, April 6 2023." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=371&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=371&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=371&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=466&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=466&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/535703/original/file-20230705-27-2e46zt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=466&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Sheep aboard the live export ship Al Messilah before it leaves Fremantle for the Middle East, April 6 2023.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Elizabeth Jackson</span></span>
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<p>To gain an export licence from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, exporters must demonstrate they have control over <a href="https://www.iglae.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/escas-report-22.pdf">every link in the supply chain</a> from when animals leave the ship to the point at which they are slaughtered. </p>
<p>Animals must be inspected before, during and after their journey by accredited animal health professionals. Facilities and animal-handling techniques <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/exporters/escas#independent-auditing">are audited</a> at least once a year. Auditors are appointed by the exporter but have to be independent, have no conflict of interest and be appropriately qualified.</p>
<h2>Imperfect but ‘unique and innovative’</h2>
<p>The system is not perfect. A <a href="https://www.iglae.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/escas-report-22.pdf">2021 review</a> of ESCAS by the federal Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports identified a number of regulatory gaps and ways to make the system more efficient. In particular it noted that loss of control and traceability, sometimes with poor animal welfare outcomes, still occurs at low but chronic levels.</p>
<p>Nonetheless it still described the system as “a unique and innovative regulatory practice solution” that had largely achieved its broad objectives, and made eight recommendations to fix problems (the department agreed to four of these, and “agreed in principle” to the other four.)</p>
<h2>Reporting non-compliance</h2>
<p>One measure of how well the system is working is the number of reports of Australian livestock being mistreated or being in non-accredited facilities.
Anyone can make these reports, which <a href="https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20211213143841/https:/www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/regulatory-framework/compliance-investigations/investigations-regulatory-compliance">are publicly available</a>, along with the investigations arising.</p>
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<p>For example, in 2021 the animal rights group Animals Australia reported non-compliant slaughter of sheep in Jordan. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/escas-regulatory-performance-report-jul-21-jun-2022.pdf">agreed</a>, and that the control arrangements of the exporter, Livestock Shipping Services, had failed. </p>
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<p>The federal minister for Agriculture, Murray Watt, described the live export industry in June 2020 (when he was shadow minister for Northern Australia) as “<a href="https://www.openaustralia.org.au/senate/?id=2020-06-12.91.1">a world leader with regard to animal welfare</a>”.</p>
<p>Nothing has changed since.</p>
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<p><em>Correction: this article originally stated the Australian government wants to ban live animal exports. The proposed ban is for live sheep exports. The article has been amended accordingly.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205831/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Elizabeth Jackson is a member-elected non-executive director of Sheep Producers Australia and is on the WAFarmers' Livestock Council but does not derive any income from the agricultural industry. She currently receives research funding from the Food Agility CRC and the Fight Food Waste CRC. </span></em></p>Australia can boast that it leads the world in animal welfare practices. A ban on live exports will more animals being shipped from nations with lower standards.Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Curtin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1845462022-06-10T06:39:03Z2022-06-10T06:39:03ZThe Nationals suddenly find themselves with a new leader and in opposition. So where to now?<p>Barnaby Joyce, old-style populist and controversy magnet, has gone from the Nationals leadership. In his place is Queenslander David Littleproud, a move that indicates a desire for at least the appearance of change in the party.</p>
<p>Joyce knew how to play the role of the folksy bush politician; one can almost hear the echoes of “<a href="https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/dad-rudd-mp-aristocracy-cattle">Dad Rudd</a>” when Barnaby talks. The problem was that in tandem with Scott Morrison’s distinctive “salesman” political style, it created a way of conducting political life that many found abrasive.</p>
<p>Although the Nationals did not lose any seats at the 2022 election, it is not surprising they chose to elect a new leader. It drew a line underneath the defeat of the Coalition and indicated a desire for a new beginning. </p>
<p>Ironically, the two-party-preferred swing against Joyce in New England (1.09%) was smaller than that against Littleproud in Maranoa (3.21%). Maranoa remains the safest seat for any party in Australia.</p>
<p>Whether it indicated “generational change” is another matter; Littleproud is nine years younger than Joyce. Curiously, Joyce lived for many years in St George, which is situated in Littleproud’s seat of Maranoa. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, in terms of political style, Littleproud is quite different from Joyce. While Joyce goes out of his way to project a somewhat boisterous “bush” image, Littleproud is more relaxed and comfortable – and hence less confrontational – than Joyce. </p>
<p>What is more difficult to gauge is whether Littleproud’s leadership also represents a change in political substance. Given the Albanese government is in its infancy and so is Littleproud’s leadership of the Nationals, all we have to go by are general statements as he seeks to establish himself as leader. Of those statements, three are interesting. </p>
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<p>One is Littleproud’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-06/littleproud-defends-demotion-ministers-robert-hawke-frontbench/101128052">strong declaration</a> that the Coalition has to take its “medicine” following its election defeat. He also declared himself in favour of the idea of the “<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/joyce-becomes-nats-second-choice-as-littleproud-takes-reins-20220530-p5apnm">sensible centre</a>”, a rhetorical term that has been around for some time and is evoked to prove that one is indeed sensible. This probably reflects nothing more than his desire for a new beginning.</p>
<p>The second is his general advocacy of nuclear power for the future, especially in the form of small-scale modular reactors, and his statement that popular attitudes to nuclear power have been <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/climate-change/bizarre-simpsons-link-to-controversial-issue-in-australian-politics/news-story/8f07f14c169e7e3717790db866407e9c">shaped by Homer Simpson</a>. Support for this mode of nuclear power also comes from new Liberal leader Peter Dutton.</p>
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<p>This advocacy is essentially of the “we need to open a conversation about this”, which may be no more than floating a general idea to see how the public reacts. The problem with modular reactors, as Matt Canavan stated on Sky News, is the technology is still largely in development, although it is more developed than “green hydrogen”. </p>
<p>Canavan, a supporter of the nuclear conversation, <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/has-the-coalition-gone-cold-on-nuclear-power/">also notes</a> it could increase power costs. The problem with such “conversations” is they are vague and largely about a future that is some way off.</p>
<p>The third statement is about <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/david-littleproud-issues-warning-to-sussan-ley-and-labor-over-proposed-live-sheep-export-ban/news-story/44b8317cde9e351ab063c9e65c849a32">live sheep exports</a>, something that is core business for Littleproud both in his role as shadow agriculture minister and as an advocate for rural interests. Littleproud strongly supports such exports, largely in terms of their economic benefit. This places him at odds with deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who is opposed to such exports.</p>
<p>What this indicates is that Littleproud is perhaps most comfortable when supporting what he understands to be the interests of rural Australia.</p>
<p>Joyce also <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-20/barnaby-joyce-attacks-live-export-zealots-at-heated-rally/10018346">strongly supported</a> live sheep exports, and he <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2022/05/31/barnaby-joyce-nationals-lead/">voiced his approval</a> of nuclear power. It may be the case that in substance, if not in style, Littleproud has much in common with Joyce.</p>
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<span class="caption">Littleproud may end up being more different from Barnaby Joyce in style rather than substance.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Mick Tsikas/AAP</span></span>
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<p>Of course, these are still early days. He might be a different style of leader to Joyce, but there are perennial matters for anyone who leads the National Party.</p>
<p>Given the uncertainties of Australia’s current economic situation, it is difficult to foresee how Littleproud’s policies will develop. One thing can safely be assumed: the National Party will continue to “look after” rural Australia to the best of its abilities.</p>
<p>This will surprise no-one. It is a sectional party and one should expect that when it changes leaders the style might change, but the focus of its activities and policies do not.</p>
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<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Gregory Melleuish receives funding from the Australian Research Council. </span></em></p>It’s early days for Littleproud’s leadership, but the policy issues the party faces – energy and live sheep exports, for example – are perennial.Gregory Melleuish, Professor, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of WollongongLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1239982019-09-24T20:13:34Z2019-09-24T20:13:34ZThe ban on live sheep exports has just been lifted. Here’s what’s changed<p>The ban on live sheep exports was only ever intended to be temporary. The Australian government enacted the ban earlier this year to prevent sheep from being shipped to the Middle East from the beginning of June through to September 22 – the highest heat stress risk period.</p>
<p>During this time, sheep are adapted to the cooler temperatures of a southern Australian winter. And for this reason they find it difficult to cope with the sudden increase in temperature and humidity as the transport vessels undertake the two week journey to the Persian Gulf region.</p>
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<p>This ban affected any voyages where the vessel would travel through waters in the Arabian Sea north of latitude 11°N at any time – effectively stopping the Middle East sheep trade as the entrance to the Gulf of Aden is at 12°N.</p>
<h2>Why are Australian sheep shipped to the Middle East?</h2>
<p>It seems outwardly strange to ship live animals (and their feed) across an ocean just for them to be slaughtered for meat shortly after arrival. </p>
<p>But there is a demand for live Australian sheep in the Middle East, which means it’s economically viable for exporters to ship animals from southern Australia, particularly out of Fremantle, but also from ports including Portland and Adelaide. </p>
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<p>Western Australian farmers received an average price of A$117 for <a href="https://thewest.com.au/business/agriculture/new-live-export-shipping-rules-cost-up-to-25-per-sheep-ng-b881011537z">each exported sheep</a> during 2018, so the price of each sheep at the other end must be substantively greater. </p>
<p>There are significant animal welfare challenges in successfully live exporting sheep. Part of the problem has been that <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-live-animal-export-ever-be-humane-19804">the location</a> of the greatest concern for animal welfare is the Australian public. But the Australian public have no consumer power, they’re not the ones buying the sheep. </p>
<p>So, the Australian government has been required to “push” animal welfare requirements down the industry supply pipeline, rather than having these requirements being “pulled” through by market demand.</p>
<p>What we do not know is how the economics would change and whether additional market lines would open up for boxed meat – rather than live sheep – if the live trade were to be stopped. </p>
<h2>Why was the ban put in place for the first time in 2019?</h2>
<p>The ban was one of the consequences for the live sheep trade after disturbing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jan/31/live-exports-government-refuses-to-release-video-showing-heat-stress">video footage</a> was revealed in April 2018. The graphic video showed sheep suffering and dying due to apparent heat stress on voyages from Australia to the Middle East. </p>
<p>The government immediately commissioned a review into the <a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/biosecurity/export/live-animals/mccarthy-report.pdf">conditions for the export of sheep</a> to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer. </p>
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<p>That review made a number of recommendations, which were then implemented by the government, <a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/biosecurity/export/live-animals/response-mccarthy-review.pdf">including</a> increases in space allowance for sheep on board and independent auditing of ship ventilation systems. Government-appointed observers were also included on voyages, and the notifiable mortality threshold reduced from 2% to 1% of animals during a voyage.</p>
<p>A key recommendation was that the regulatory framework should change from minimising mortality from heat stress to, instead, safeguarding animal welfare. </p>
<p>The government then commissioned further reviews to determine how to implement this recommendation, including an independent technical reference group. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/history/review-northern-summer">This report</a> was released on September 20, and the government has stated it will be used along with other information to determine the regulations for how (or if) live sheep shipments occur during the northern summer of 2020.</p>
<h2>Are the changes sufficient?</h2>
<p>The live export industry <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-has-resumed-live-sheep-exports-to-the-middle-east-despite-criticism">argues</a> they have succeeded in making substantial changes to how it operates since the original footage was revealed in 2018. </p>
<p>Whether these will be sufficient to prevent further revelations of heat stress incidents or other adverse animal welfare outcomes remains to be seen. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-history-of-live-exports-is-more-than-two-centuries-old-94730">Australia's history of live exports is more than two centuries old</a>
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<p>Including <a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/regulatory-framework/compliance-investigations/independent-observations-livestock-export-sea">independent observers</a> on voyages to keep an eye on animal welfare should increase the transparency of what happens to sheep during live export shipments. Although, there has been <a href="https://www.sheepcentral.com/frustration-over-delayed-live-export-independent-observer-reports/">criticism</a> of the delay in reporting from this initiative.</p>
<p>The new arrangements in place since 2018 and the temporary ban from June to September are unlikely to satisfy animal welfare advocates who are against live exports. On the other hand, the live export industry argues the sector is important for Australian livelihoods, including supporting sheep farmers. </p>
<p>What’s more, the current coalition government has repeatedly stated its commitment to maintaining a live export industry. Interestingly, the 2019 federal election was the first time there was a clear policy difference on the issue between the major parties, with the ALP committed to a phase-out of the live export sheep trade.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to watch whether this policy difference will remain after the ALP’s review of its 2019 election policies.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-alp-promises-to-phase-out-live-sheep-export-96049">The ALP promises to phase out live sheep export</a>
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<p>But in terms of what more needs to be done, it’s likely impossible for policy-makers to satisfy all parties in the live export debate. </p>
<p>New <a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/animal/department-response-asel-review.pdf">overarching standards</a> for the export of livestock from Australia are scheduled to be introduced soon, covering more than just heat stress risk. </p>
<p>However, those who are against the trade in live animals are unlikely to be persuaded to desist in their efforts. A repeated history of damaging incidents and revelations serves as a reminder of what may happen again in the future if the industry does not get to grips with its animal welfare responsibilities.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123998/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Fisher received funding in 2008 from Meat and Livestock Australia in relation to reviewing their live export heat stress risk model. He has provided professional advice on expert panels to Government on live export and associated animal welfare issues, and was part of the Technical Review Panel advising the Government on live export heat stress risk assessment.</span></em></p>Independent observers will be on board the ships exporting live sheep to keep an eye on animal welfare.Andrew Fisher, Professor of Cattle & Sheep Production Medicine, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/999412018-07-13T04:40:32Z2018-07-13T04:40:32ZVIDEO: Michelle Grattan on Latham’s liaison with One Nation in Longman, live sheep exports and the ACCC’s criticism on energy<figure>
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<p>Michelle Grattan speaks with University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Nicholas Klomp about the week in politics. They discuss including Mark Latham teaming up with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation to make robocalls attacking Shorten in the Longman byelection, the live sheep trade debate, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s criticism of the energy market, including their recommendation for government involvement.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/99941/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Michelle Grattan speaks with Nicholas Klomp about the week in politics.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/968492018-05-18T05:37:52Z2018-05-18T05:37:52ZThe live export trade is unethical. It puts money ahead of animals’ pain<p>Last month millions of Australians saw <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/9634420">footage</a> of sheep dying slowly from heat and thirst while being shipped on the Awassi Express from Fremantle in Western Australia to Doha, Qatar. The voyage was last August, and what viewers saw was a very small portion of the suffering undergone by the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/09/world/australia/qatar-sheep-deaths.html">2,400 sheep who reportedly died</a> on that one voyage. The suffering came to light only because a whistleblower working on the ship was so disturbed by what he saw that he took video and sent it to Animals Australia.</p>
<p>Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, a <a href="http://davidlittleproud.com.au/about/">Nationals MP from rural Queensland with a background in agribusiness</a>, said he was “<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-05/agriculture-minister-david-littleproud-live-export-sheep-deaths/9623202">shocked and gutted</a>” by the footage. As Littleproud’s reaction shows, it is not just those at the vegan/animal-rights/green end of the political spectrum who are horrified by these scenes.</p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/liberal-rebel-will-proceed-with-bill-after-government-preserves-sheep-trade-96788">Liberal rebel will proceed with bill after government preserves sheep trade</a>
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<p>On many other occasions, I have <a href="https://www.peta.org/about-peta/learn-about-peta/ingrid-newkirk/animal-liberation/">argued</a> that we ought to give the same weight to the suffering of animals as we give to similar forms of human suffering. In my view that means that in most circumstances we shouldn’t be eating animals at all, but that is not the main issue here. Even those who think that human interests normally override the interests of animals can see that what happened on the Awassi Express was wrong and ought not to be allowed to happen again.</p>
<p>So what did Littleproud do? He set up an inquiry. Fair enough. But to head the inquiry and make recommendations, he appointed Michael McCarthy, a vet who has spent most of his career working as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/23/live-exports-review-animal-welfare-groups-criticise-vets-appointment">paid contractor to the live export industry</a>, including work for Emanuel Exports, the company that stocked the Awassi Express. </p>
<p>It wasn’t a surprise, therefore, to read yesterday that McCarthy <a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/history/review-northern-summer">did not recommend an end to the live export trade</a>. He didn’t even go along with the recommendation of the Australian Veterinary Association, which favoured <a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-the-sheep-trade-in-the-northern-summer-veterinarians-say-96227">suspending the trade for the northern summer</a>. The association said that during those months there is no way to eliminate the risk of sheep suffering and dying from heat stress.</p>
<p>Instead, McCarthy ignored a <a href="http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/mp-live-export-mccarthy-review.php">decade of data</a> showing that lower stocking densities do not overcome the welfare problems that frequently occur in hot weather. He recommended that the trade continue, with lower stocking densities and some other requirements, none of which can guarantee even a minimally decent standard of animal welfare.</p>
<h2>The suffering goes on</h2>
<p>After seeing the suffering of the sheep, Littleproud said: “This cannot go on.” But under McCarthy’s recommendations, it will go on. We’ve seen it all before. In July 2016, <a href="https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/a-one-off-for-the-awassi-express#gs.8LKnikY">more than 3,000 sheep died</a> on the same ship, the Awassi Express. It’s a recurring pattern: every few years more evidence of the suffering of the sheep comes to light, there are expressions of shock and outrage, new conditions are imposed on the industry, things go quiet for a while, and then it all happens again.</p>
<p>Why? In the moral framework in which the trade operates, sheep are cargo, something to be moved from A to B because you can get more money for them at B than you can at A. Of course, the less you pay for the transport the more you profit, so exporters are always going to try to cut corners.</p>
<p>Sheep are not iron ore or wheat. They are sentient beings who cannot protest against what we are doing to them, except by dying. We are handing them over to people who have no special concern for their well-being, on a ship far from the eyes of the media. We may put veterinarians or other observers on board, but on a long voyage it is only human nature to try to get along with the others on board and not cause problems. The mistake is to put the sheep in such a vulnerable situation in the first place.</p>
<p>Even the sheep who survive the journey and are landed in the Middle East remain vulnerable. Once landed, we have no control over how they are treated and slaughtered. No regulations can prevent Australian sheep being taken to a place where they may be bought at a local market, trussed by the legs, dumped in the boot of a car and driven home to have their throats cut, fully conscious, by an inexperienced person celebrating <em>Eid al Adha</em>, the Festival of Sacrifice.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-the-sheep-trade-in-the-northern-summer-veterinarians-say-96227">Stop the sheep trade in the northern summer, veterinarians say</a>
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<p>If we were living in desperate poverty, we might have some excuse for putting our survival ahead of the suffering of sheep. But Australia is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. We do not need to continue this trade, and it is not difficult to see that what we are doing is wrong.</p>
<p>The best hope now lies in a bill that Liberal MP Sussan Ley is <a href="https://theconversation.com/liberal-rebel-will-proceed-with-bill-after-government-preserves-sheep-trade-96788">planning to move in parliament</a> to end or at least phase out the live export trade. Senator Derryn Hinch and the Greens have also been strong supporters of halting the trade. </p>
<p>This is every bit as much a question of ethics as same-sex marriage, and members of parliament should be free to vote in accordance with their conscience. If a majority votes against the trade they would remove a stain from our national conscience too.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96849/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Peter Singer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>In choosing not to ban the live export trade even in the hottest northern months, the federal government is allowing animals to be put in conditions where they cannot possibly escape suffering.Peter Singer, Professor of Ethical Issues in Biotechnology, Justice and the Human Good, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/962132018-05-09T02:17:41Z2018-05-09T02:17:41ZCan meat exports be made humane? Here are three key strategies<p>Horrific footage of animals dying in <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/boiled-alive-new-footage-shows-full-scale-of-live-exports-horror-20180503-p4zd9q.html">extreme heat</a> aboard ships has raised fresh questions over the future of Australia’s live export industry.</p>
<p>Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has announced a <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/littleproud-blasts-shortens-call-for-live-sheep-export-ban/news-story/b405ab26bd75d4f7c8c3b0f78b19824b">review of the sheep trade</a> to the Middle East, while the federal Labor party has promised to <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-05-08/how-new-zealand-banned-live-export-trading/9733146">ban the trade</a> if it wins the next election. Farmers’ groups argue that the industry is <a href="http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/farmers-argue-against-banning-live-exports/news-story/981d4578cde8b0987d689f5d745bf02c">too important</a> to halt. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-alp-promises-to-phase-out-live-sheep-export-96049">The ALP promises to phase out live sheep export</a>
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<p>So what do we need to do to humanely sell Australia’s meat to the world? Can the meat be processed on our shores? And with many of Australia’s livestock destined for the Middle East or Indonesia, can religious slaughter requirements be met while avoiding unnecessary animal suffering?</p>
<p>We asked three experts: an agricultural specialist, a veterinarian and a religious scholar.</p>
<h2>Increase regional Australian meat processing</h2>
<p><strong>Andrew Butt, Associate Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT University</strong></p>
<p>Meat exports, particularly beef, have increased considerably in recent decades, overtaking wheat to become Australia’s <a href="http://data.daff.gov.au/data/warehouse/agcstd9abcc002/agcstd9abcc0022017_IugZg/ACS_2017_v1.1.0_lr.pdf">largest agricultural export by value</a>. </p>
<p>However, only about <a href="http://data.daff.gov.au/data/warehouse/9aal/2017/aaim17_20171121/AusAgIndMap2017_v.1.1.0.pdf">20% of beef exports by carcass weight</a> are live, mostly to Indonesia. For sheep meat (lamb and mutton), the proportions are similar, with about 20% by carcass weight comprising live exports going almost exclusively to Middle East markets. Lamb exports have increased fivefold over the past two decades, while domestic consumption has remained flat. </p>
<p>The national figures nevertheless conceal considerable regional variation. In some places, most or all of the production happens within the same local areas. </p>
<p>The regions of New England and of Toowoomba and Darling Downs, for example, have relatively high levels of employment in both agriculture and meat processing. Conversely, 10% of outback Queensland’s workforce is in beef cattle farming – the highest in Australia – but local processing employment is virtually non-existent. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-alp-promises-to-phase-out-live-sheep-export-96049">The ALP promises to phase out live sheep export</a>
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<p>In many regions, the abattoir and meat-processing industries are seeing changes common to other industries: rationalisation and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-08-22/nolan-meats-expands-fully-automated-cold-storage-facility/8829772here">automation</a>.</p>
<p>We have an opportunity to improve the way we handle meat processing in Australia. Orthodox regional development policy would seek to retain as many stages of production as possible in the local region – in this case growing, feed production, transport, slaughtering and packing of meat products. By increasing meat processing in areas with large farming communities, we can strengthen these chains.</p>
<p>Live sheep and cattle exports are contingent on the cultural preferences <em>and</em> supply-chain limitations of key overseas markets. That is, some countries may not have the reliable refrigeration needed to keep processed meat fresh.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-live-animal-export-ever-be-humane-19804">Can live animal export ever be humane?</a>
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<p>It may be possible to seamlessly substitute this trade for domestically slaughtered and processed meat, but this should be considered in the context of a highly differentiated industry with pronounced regional differences.</p>
<h2>Improve shipping conditions</h2>
<p><strong>Andrew Fisher, Professor of Cattle and Sheep Production Medicine, University of Melbourne</strong></p>
<p>The welfare challenges for sheep during the current live export process are centred around five issues: </p>
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<li>failing to eat during the voyage </li>
<li>salmonella infection of the gastrointestinal tract (often linked to failure to eat) </li>
<li>heat stress </li>
<li>other onboard conditions related to lying space, lying conditions and ease of access to food and water </li>
<li>handling and conditions in the receiving country, including treatment at slaughter.</li>
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<p>Heat stress was the primary cause of the recently revealed sheep deaths on board the Awassi Express in August 2017. </p>
<p>Sheep exported from Australia during the southern winter are at greater risk of heat stress. This is because the animals are adapted to cooler conditions before being exposed to the climate of the Equator and the Middle East, which is hottest at that time of the year.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-the-sheep-trade-in-the-northern-summer-veterinarians-say-96227">Stop the sheep trade in the northern summer, veterinarians say</a>
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<p>The risk of heat stress causing suffering and death can be reduced to some extent by reducing the stocking density of the sheep on a voyage. This enhances airflow around the animals and reduces the build-up of humidity and ammonia from the accumulating manure. The actual space available to each sheep would vary with the weight of the sheep and the ventilation design of the ship.</p>
<p>Eliminating almost all risk of heat stress would probably mean having much lower stocking densities all the time, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-the-sheep-trade-in-the-northern-summer-veterinarians-say-96227">avoiding shipments entirely during the Australian winter</a>. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-history-of-live-exports-is-more-than-two-centuries-old-94730">Australia's history of live exports is more than two centuries old</a>
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<p>The use of very low stocking densities or even air-conditioned ships may be technically feasible (just as it is for human passengers). In practice, however, the economics of this may prompt a shift away from the mass live export of sheep for slaughter.</p>
<h2>Engage with religious leaders</h2>
<p><strong>Shakira Hussein, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies, University of Melbourne</strong></p>
<p>A large portion of Australia’s live exports go to Muslim-majority Middle Eastern countries and Indonesia. (As previously noted, one major reason is limited refrigeration facilities outside major cities.)</p>
<p>Another factor is the need for meat to be slaughtered according to religious rules, making the meat either halal or kosher.</p>
<p>Halal and kosher slaughter is supposed to provide the animal with a quick and humane death. But there is some dispute over the exact details, so not all of the “halal-certified” meat processed in Australia is regarded as acceptable by all Muslim communities. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-halal-and-how-does-certification-work-36300">Explainer: what is halal, and how does certification work?</a>
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<p>Broadly speaking, for both halal and kosher meat, the animal’s throat must be cut and the blood drained (as the consumption of blood is prohibited). Animals should be slaughtered individually so they are not subjected to the sight of other animals being killed.</p>
<p>The major issue is that Australian regulations require that animals be stunned before being killed. Some Islamic scholars argue that this is not halal, on the grounds that it may kill the animal before the blood has been fully drained. </p>
<p>However, all halal chicken and the vast majority of halal livestock slaughtered in Australia are pre-stunned. This includes meat for both the export and domestic markets.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-the-ethics-of-ritual-slaughter-2101">Explainer: the ethics of ritual slaughter</a>
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<p>A small number of Australian slaughterhouses have been granted exemptions from the requirement to pre-stun animals, to provide for halal and in particular kosher slaughter. Kosher slaughter does not accommodate pre-stunning. In these cases, cattle are stunned after the throat is cut, while sheep must be stunned if the animal does not quickly lose consciousness.</p>
<p>Refrigerated meat cannot entirely substitute for live exports because freshly slaughtered meat is regarded as being higher quality. The festival of <em>Eid al Adha</em> also involves the slaughter of livestock as part of the ritual. </p>
<p>If Australia were to end live exports, it would be important to reduce the negative impact on societies such as Indonesia by supporting the development of the local livestock industry and of refrigeration facilities in regional areas. </p>
<p>Local Muslim community organisations and leaders can also play a crucial role by emphasising that the compassionate treatment of animals is a core element of Islam and that unnecessary cruelty is not halal.</p>
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<p><em><strong>Correction:</strong> This article was updated at 4:47pm on May 9. A previous version of the article omitted the qualifier “by carcass weight” when stating the percentage of live meat exported from Australia. This error was introduced during the editing process.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96213/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Fisher received funding in 2008 from Meat and Livestock Australia in relation to reviewing their live export heat stress risk model. He has provided unpaid professional advice on expert panels to Government on live export and associated animal welfare issues.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Butt and Shakira Hussein do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>In the face of shocking footage of animals dying on ships, it seems impossible that our live export trade will remain as it is. Here are three areas to address.Andrew Butt, Associate Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning, RMIT UniversityAndrew Fisher, Professor of Cattle & Sheep Production Medicine, The University of MelbourneShakira Hussein, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow; Writer and researcher, National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.