VN October 2021

Vetnews | October 2021 7 • Weather conditions are very unpredictable, and storms or typhoons can play havoc on the journeys and cause injuries. • Hot days and nights, significantly when extending over several days and accompanied by high humidity – as often experienced over the Equator and in the Arabian Gulf – are potent in causing severe heat stress. • Ventilation on the ships is often poor or insufficient to enable the animals to lose heat. A breakdown in the ventilation system will have dire consequences. • The combination of shared body heat in close confinement with radiant heat from metal structures and sub-equatorial sunlight further contribute to heat stress. • Poor design on ships leads to unacceptable risks of physical injury. • A variety of severe animal diseases can become prevalent in the cramped conditions on the ships during voyages. Contamination will always be a problem. • Feed and water supply are very vulnerable to any disruptions that may occur. All these risks can be avoided by slaughtering the livestock at registered export abattoirs, following the correct and approved procedures governing any religious requirements of the importing country involved. We must also consider that locally slaughtered livestock provides work and income for local people. LWCC does not have a consensus amongst its members on this issue, and therefore each member organisation has to formulate its response. As a general comment, if the Courts and country decide that export of live animals by sea for slaughter should be permitted, then livestock must be protected by comprehensive, transparent and enforceable regulations to protect the animals from all risks that may be incurred from the time of gathering each consignment, up to the time of slaughter at the country of destination. This would include the registration of exporters and the ships, agreement between exporting and importing countries, proper examination and qualifications of livestock handlers, attention to all factors listed, acceptable monitoring and keeping of records, appropriate and rapid reaction to adverse conditions or circumstances, the presence of entirely independent observers, the principle of payment, and a review after every voyage. The details of requirements to be discussed and clarified are too numerous and complex to be addressed in a concise contribution. The guidelines must be debated and modified to arrive at a consensus, and this cannot be done with a single response from those involved. We must ensure that the guidelines can be converted into enforceable Regulations that protect animals as best we can. This discussion should preferably take longer and ensure that the measures are as effective as possible. Livestock intended for breeding are a separate issue and are governed by other legislation and requirements. Some organisations will likely continue to oppose the principle of sending livestock by sea for slaughter and suggest that livestock should be slaughtered here, with the meat being exported. Other organisations believe that it is possible to ensure livestock welfare during the process if adequate protection is enforced. The livestock industry must be aware of and concerned about the reputational damage that may possibly be done by their supporting this practice. The beef, sheep and goat industries of South Africa currently have a largely favourable, welfare-friendly image for consumers, and this perception will be at risk if they are associated with avoidable and unnecessary suffering and cruelty. All parties concerned must also be aware of international concerns and legislation regarding the transportation of livestock over long distances for slaughter after arrival at the destination. It must be emphasised that the LWCC is not opposed to livestock farming nor the meat trade. On the contrary, farmers who look after their livestock well will also have more productive herds and flocks and better farm profitability. As a guiding principle, we urge farmers to eliminate avoidable risks to animal welfare and minimise the impact of unavoidable risks. We are aware and very appreciative of the majority of farmers who care for their livestock and treat them the best they can. Leading Article