Live exports: multiple supply chains = multiple risks for livestock

live export

RSPCA Australia is calling on the government to come clean on the extent and location of the facilities animals exported live for slaughter can end up in, following today’s release of seven Department of Agriculture reports into breaches of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) and high mortality incidents during live export voyages.

The reports reveal serious animal welfare issues and highlight the severe risks associated with allowing hundreds of supply chains to operate globally.

The incidents recorded in these reports include:

It is impossible for the Australian Government be confident of the fate of exported animals when they are being delivered into multiple supply chains in multiple countries.

These reports represent just those breaches of ESCAS that have actually been reported to the authorities – mostly by independent groups - the reality of the situation will be much worse than shown here.

The Australian community expects that the issues highlighted in these reports be comprehensively dealt with before any new markets or supply chains are even considered.

The RSPCA is considering the implications of the seven reports released before providing further detailed comment.

  • 18 Wagyu heifers exported by Principle International dead from inadequate ventilation during air transport to China
  • 49 Angus and Hereford heifers exported by Livestock Shipping Services (LSS) dead from inadequate ventilation during air transport to Kazakhstan
  • 96 cattle missing from a Wellard supply chain in Vietnam; 94 cattle moved to an abattoir not yet approved ; multiple cattle outside of the supply chain subjected to pain, suffering and distress through inhumane roping slaughter (critical non-compliance recorded)
  • At least 2718 sheep exported by LSS moved outside of an approved supply chain in Jordan (critical non-compliance recorded - this follows a previous major non-compliance against LSS in relation to Jordan)
  • An unknown number of sheep sold outside of an approved Emmanuel’s supply chain in Kuwait (major non-compliance recorded)
  • An unknown number of cattle exported by International Livestock Exports to Mauritius outside of an approved supply chain and subjected to pain, suffering and distress through inhumane roping slaughter (major non-compliance recorded)