Please let the Minister for Agriculture, email: minister.watt@aff.gov.au know how concerned you are by the decision to grant an export permit to allow the animals which were offloaded from the MV Bahijah in Fremantle to be returned to sea for a second attempt at exporting them to Israel.

Originally, 16,000 Australian sheep and cattle were onboard the Bahijah for over a month after the vessel departed from Australia and then turned back from the Middle East due to maritime security concerns in the Red Sea. It was then recalled to Perth by the Department of Agriculture.

The animals were unloaded after the Department rejected a plan for their immediate re-export. Now, they have been re-loaded and the ship will take the long route around Africa to reach Israel after 33 days of sailing. Such inhumane treatment of animals should never have been approved.

Meanwhile in Townsville the cruelty continues. Six live export ships loaded with cattle have left the Port of Townsville this year. Let's make 2024 the year Australia follows New Zealand and ends ALL live animal exports by sea. We are still waiting for the Labor government to honour their pre-election commitment to end live sheep exports.  Together we can end this cruel trade. (Photo supplied by Bako Bako)