The following is an excerpt from an article in the VALE (Vets Against Live Exports) newsletter:
“VALE President Sue Foster met recently with the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Murray Watt, who confirmed that the ALP will definitely deliver on its promise to phase out the live sheep trade. The ALP is meeting with industry and others to try and establish a suitable phase-out plan. One of their focuses is to try to establish processes that would ensure the best possible animal welfare outcomes during the phase-out. The Government’s approach is commendable and their commitment to this process was made very clear. This is the best news for a very long time!
 AMSA concerned about livestock carrier deficiencies
From 1 March to 31 August, AMSA ran a Covid-disrupted inspection campaign of live-ex ships. Only 14 out of 26 ships leaving Australia during this time were inspected. They found numerous deficiencies, including:

3/14 had livestock pens that could not be effectively drained of fluids under any expected condition of trim or angle of heel – a welfare issue
2/14 did not provide satisfactory non-slip surfaces for livestock – a welfare issue
2/14 had not undergone the required thickness measurement gauging at the last survey
1/14 did not use accurate values for the calculation of ship stability for its voyage – a worry for both animal and human safety
1/14 had made changes to structural arrangements onboard that were not sanctioned by the ships flag administration
1/14 ships’ crew were not familiar with the onboard procedures to restore power – a very big concern when ventilation can make the difference between life and death for animals onboard.
AMSA stated that "the deficiencies observed during a relatively low number of inspections is of concern to AMSA" and with >20% vessels being unable to effectively drain livestock pens and 15% having inappropriate surfaces, both producers and Dept of Ag should be aware that this trade still has a very long way to go before welfare can be considered acceptable, let alone good.”
(Thanks Steph for letting me know.)
 
While this is terrific news I will not stop raising awareness and doing whatever I can to make sure ALL Live Animal Exports end and I’m sure I can count on everyone of you to stay with me. I am merely one person and I know 100% Live Sheep Exports would not be ending if it were not for all of us being United in this fight. 
So once again, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You and to the people who have donated I can never Thank You people enough for helping me to be able to do so much more to raise awareness xx
If anyone does want to donate, Please speak with me first, I need to ensure the donations are going to Stand Against Live Animal Exports.- sunlily36@gmail.com or 0435 798 270

SYDNEY Awareness Day
Town Hall - 20th August
11:30 am - 1:30pm.