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LiveCorp Strikes Again with Ship of Death

12 September 2003

by Anai Rhoads
Veriana Media

Out of 57,000 sheep aboard the MV Cormo Express, an estimated 3,400 met their death under soaring temperatures of 120 Fahrenheit.

The sheep were rejected in August by Saudi Arabia officials after a Saudi vet examined the sheep and diagnosed six percent with a disease known as scabby mouth. The vet denied them access into the country and did not provide the sheep with a vaccine that may have saved them.

Livestock Export Corporation (LiveCorp) was responsible for the shipment now coined the "ship of death" by a spokesman from the Australian Democrat party.

According to LiveCorp, the sheep were owned by a Saudi importer and responsibility falls upon the importer with regards to new purchasers. LiveCorp delegated fault and neglected the magnitude of their repeated offences and policies against animals.

Live sheep and cattle exports rake in an estimated $1 billion to Australia annually. In 2001 approximately 850,000 cattle, nearly 7 million sheep and 106,000 goats were exported to over 30 countries from Australia. The country is the largest export supplier of livestock to world markets.

All consignments are required have an export permit issued by AQIS under the Export Control Act. AQIS assesses whether animal care is met, including proper ventilation of the vessel, food, water and medication for the livestock.

It is clear that livestock export regulations must be reviewed and updated to respect the rights of the animals. LiveCorp's record of animal cruelty is an example of poor policy.

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