New Zealand bans animal exports

Published 2021년 4월 14일

Tridge summary

A review into New Zealand's live animal export practice led to the banning of cattle exports in 2007 following a tragedy where over 5,000 cattle died at sea. A loophole allowed exports for breeding, but this will be closed in 2023. The recent sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1, which carried over 5,800 cattle to China, and the death of hundreds of cattle in Sri Lanka in 2017 escalated concerns about animal welfare and New Zealand's international reputation. The ban, announced by Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor, aims to maintain New Zealand's status as the most ethical food producer by addressing concerns about mass animal deaths and poor conditions abroad. Despite criticisms, the decision is seen as necessary to protect the country's reputation.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

EDITORIAL: A review into the controversial practice of live animal exports was already underway when the Gulf Livestock 1 sank in the East China Sea seven months ago. When the ship sailed from Napier three weeks earlier, there were 43 people on board and a cargo of 5867 cattle, destined for China, which has been the destination of all our live cattle exports since 2017. The horrifying impression of nearly 6000 helpless, drowned animals had a huge emotional impact back in New Zealand. As one commentator put it, “The images of bloated dead cows floating in a turquoise sea are desperately sad”. Only two people survived and the New Zealanders aboard were not found. Exports of live sheep for slaughter were banned in 2003 after the distressing story of the Cormo Express when more than 57,000 Australian sheep were rejected by Saudi Arabia due to alleged infections, leading to the death of 6000 sheep onboard before the rest were eventually dumped in Eritrea. Cattle were added to the ban ...

Source: Stuff NZ