In early February, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry issued a public statement regarding a notice of intention to export about 15,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle via the MV Bahijah.
Initially, an export permit was granted and the livestock embarked for Israel. Due to security concerns in the Red Sea, the exporter proposed rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, requiring new import permits and approval to load foreign fodder, which alters an animal’s health status.
DAFF expressed concerns over animal welfare and the practicality of the proposed changes, with consideration then given to returning the livestock to Australia. Despite the exporter’s efforts to provide the required information and adapt plans, DAFF issued a direction to return the livestock to Australia due to insufficient assurances about the voyage’s safety and welfare provisions.
In-depth evaluations ensued, with the exporter submitting new plans and information, including extended long-haul management plans. However, potential legal challenges in Israel regarding import permits and the Israeli authority’s concerns led to doubts whether importing country requirements would be met.
Despite an approved…
