#BanLiveExport Yet another disaster looms, with over 30+ sheep reportedly suffering to death on board. WELLARD has rejected reports that livestock feed supplies have run dry and exacerbated animal mortality rates on a controversial, stalled shipment from Fremantle to the Middle East. The MV Ocean Drover departed Fremantle port on January 20 carrying 42,000 head of sheep and 6000 cattle sourced from Western Australia. The vessel has since stopped three times for mechanical repairs, which has potentially doubled the normal voyage time-frame of 14 days, and in turn generated challenges for managing feed provision for the animals on board. Animal rights groups have been watching the voyage closely and suggested the vessel had made an emergency stop at the port of Djibouti - a country located in the Horn of Africa - to urgently re-stock, after running out of feed. But Wellard rejected the accusations issuing a statement today (Friday) to Fairfax Agricultural Media saying they’d decided to load additional livestock feed on the MV Ocean Drover as the vessel continued its voyage to Gulf of the Aqaba. “Since encountering mechanical issues the MV Ocean Drover has been operating at speeds below its normal high cruising speed which has extended the voyage duration and prompted Wellard to take the decision to load additional fodder,” the statement said. “Loading of additional livestock feed safeguarded the continued provision of energy and protein to the livestock on board at levels in excess of their daily requirements.” Wellard said the MV Ocean Drover’s reduced cruising speed was similar to the normal cruising speeds of many livestock, and other, vessels. “All animal services - feed, water and ventilation - on board the MV Ocean Drover have remained fully functional throughout the voyage and the livestock remain in good condition,” the statement said. “Wellard is continuing to provide daily updates to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and is committed to keeping animal welfare at the forefront of the company’s operations. “The vessel continues to experience calm seas, low humidity and daytime temperatures of 27-28C, well below the 35-40C the livestock experienced in their paddocks before being transferred to the vessel.” stockjournal.au/news/agriculture/agribusiness/general-news/troubled-live-ex-shipment-pushes-on/2688128.aspx
Posted on: Sat, 15 Feb 2014 05:39:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015