After weeks at sea, thousands of sheep and cattle destined for Israel have begun disembarking at the Australian port from where they departed
Thousands of sheep and cattlewho for almost a month were trapped in ship off its western coast Australiathey started to they disembark at the same Australian port from which they departed nearly six weeks ago, the Australian Department of Agriculture announced late last night.
“All animals from MV Bahijah are disembarked from Monday 12 February 2024 and trucked from the port of Fremantle to the appropriate facilities in Western Australia’the Ministry of Agriculture said.
After weeks in limbo on board a live export ship dozens of sheep are now being offloaded from the MV Bahijah at Fremantle Port. #9News pic.twitter.com/8txukQrEY3
— 9News Perth (@9NewsPerth) February 12, 2024
The disembarkation of the animals will take many days and the animals will be put in quarantine under Australian biosecurity regulations while the exporter, Israeli company Bassem Dabbah, owner of the animals, considers its options.
Four cattle and 60 sheep have died since the ship leftthe ministry announced, adding that this is below reportable mortality levels.
MV BAHIJAH has docked, 16,000+ animals may finally be unloaded. We signed an Open Letter along with key groups. Please act now: 1) Email [email protected] to ask them not to re-export MV BAHIJAH animals. 2) Sign petition #LegislateTheDate pic.twitter.com/3poA4nYcD1
— HSI Australia (@hsiaustralia) February 12, 2024
Reuters was unable to contact Bassem Dabbahwhile the ship’s management company, Korkyra Shipping, did not respond to requests for comment.
Most animals are likely to be re-exported after a short period, said Geoff Pearson of WAFarmers.
The incredible adventure of animals at sea
MV Bahijah sailed from Fremantle, Western Australia on January 5 bound for Israel carrying 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattlebut changed course due to the threat from Yemen’s Houthis and was then called by the Australian government to return from where it left off.
Animal rights activists as well as some politicians have characterized the treatment of animals on board as cruelbut the government argues that the animals are in good condition.
Last week the government rejected a request by the exporter of the animals to transport them to Israel by crossing Africaa trip that would take nearly five weeks and extend their stay on board for over two months.
Australia exported more than half a million live sheep and half a million live cattle last year.
The centre-left Labor government has pledged to make it illegal to export live sheep, but faces strong backlash from farming unions who argue it will cause unemployment and destroy farming communities.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
