Live export of food animals
National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) Position Statement
NCCAW recognises that it is possible to transport food animals humanely over long distances by road, sea or air. Food animals can, however, be transported in circumstances that can place their welfare at risk, particularly if the effects of stressors accumulate on longer journeys.
Live animals should not be transported in systems, or to destinations, in a manner that is known to be associated with significant suffering or death.
Australian Codes of Animal Welfare Practice have identified various factors which should be taken into account when planning or evaluating the suitability of transport systems, or in justifying the transport of live animals over long periods.
They are:
- animal handling skills at all stages
- research capability
- selection - group suitability for export
- transport of selected animals to assembly feedlot
- preparation of animals
- individual suitability for export
- sex and class segregation
- maintenance of social grouping
- acceptance and adaptation to new diet, and
- disease prophylaxis.
Transport to export vehicle
- selection of transport facility
- suitability for species to be transported
- history of problems with facility
- loading design
- suitability for route and destination
- arrangements for animal care and maintenance
- arrangements for food and water storage and distribution systems to animals, and
- contingency plans for animal welfare and other emergencies.
Loading
- process, and
- industrial relations
NCCAW is also concerned about the suitability of facilities, and whether arrangements are in place to minimise any suffering or death of the animals on arrival at their destination. The following factors should be considered:
Unloading
- facilities including assembly feedlot
- transport
- slaughter facilities and methods
- intergovernmental arrangements.
If the adverse effects of any of these factors are significantly compromising the welfare of food animals, from the time of assembly until their slaughter at their final destination, then the continuance of the specific export trade should be re-examined unless action has been taken to address these problems.
Animal welfare aspects of the live-export trade must receive continued research and industry attention.
Following NCCAW's meeting in April 1994, this document now replaces the earlier Position Statement on the Live Sheep Export Trade.
NCCAW* considers the live sheep trade with the Middle East should immediately be:
- halted on animal welfare grounds, and
- not be permitted to resume, or
- any new trade with any other country to commence, until all issues affecting the assured stability of the trade are resolved by establishment of appropriate inter-Governmental protocols between importing countries and Australia.
* Note: The National Farmers' Federation does not endorse this position.
This Position Statement was first published in April 1994 and was reviewed by NCCAW on 20 February 2008. NCCAW made the decision to retain it without amendment.