AMSA CONCERNED....WHY ISNT THE AG DEPT?

From 1 March to 31 August, AMSA ran a Covid-disrupted inspection campaign of live ex ships. Only 14/26 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
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 on alert that this trade still has a very long way to go before welfare can be acceptable, let alone good.