Livestock Handling Reports Tighten Up Exports
AUSTRALIA – Six reports into animal handling have been released by the Department of Agriculture concluding that allegations of improper animal handling were founded in live cattle exports from Australia.
24 January 2014
1 minute read
The findings confirmed live cattle being shipped to Asia, Africa and the Middle East were subject to 'mistreatment', sub-standard welfare and, in some cases, were unauthorised.
Both World Organisation for Animal Health and Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) arrangements were flouted, the report said.
The department has resolved to place additional conditions on future consignments of affected exporters. These measures are to comply with ESCAS.
They are:
- restrictions on the use of specific supply chains to reduce opportunities for livestock to exit approved facilities
- increased supervision of movement of livestock through the supply chain to ensure handling standards are met
- increased reporting and monitoring obligations to enable for more regular stocktaking of livestock in approved supply chains
- additional security at feedlots and abattoirs to minimise the risk of theft of livestock.
Exporters have been undertaking additional individual review procedures, reinforced with training on loading and handling livestock.
TheCattleSite News Desk
