Dr Sue Foster, spokesperson for Vets Against Live Export (VALE), said, “Our recent peer-reviewed scientific paper in The Veterinary Journal predicted exactly this sort of disaster. It showed that the model the Department of Agriculture (DAFF) uses to try to reduce the risk of heat stress deaths underestimates the effects on animals of high temperatures and humidity experienced on voyages to the Middle East in the northern summer. High mortality ‘heat crashes’ in May to August in the Middle East have been reported for at least 20 years. The claim made by the exporter that the conditions experienced were unusual is not supported by examination of the historical meteorological data for Doha.” Dr Foster noted that a Federal Court case against DAFF last year heard evidence that overstocking of animals aboard live export vessels was a routine event. “DAFF has known for years that exporters routinely overstock live export ships with animals. This deliberate overcrowding means animals are at a greater risk of heat stress, as the ventilation systems cannot get rid of heat generated by the animals.”
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 10:06:22 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015