Old darling of the Aust trade rejected in South Africa

Well the >30 year old Al Shuwaikh seems as though it has been around forever. The Aust Department  of Ag seems to have been perfectly happy with her despite a few high mortality incidents and a few recent unflattering independent observer reports.....but it is double tiered...so wont be allowed in Australia from Jan 2020 (courtesy of AMSA not Ag Dept!).

So it scuttled off to South Africa....but it hasnt met a very warm reception there....and it hasnt been providing a warm welcome either.

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), on the request of the South African Government, undertook an inspection of the empty Al-Shuwaikh vessel on Sunday, 23 September 2019, and found the vessel to be unsuitable to transport 61 000 sheep – the inspection confirmed that there is cause for major welfare concerns and unavoidable contraventions of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 and OIE (the World Organisation of Animal Health of which South Africa is a member) minimum standards.

On Sunday, 22 September 2019, the NSPCA attempted to inspect the ship at the request of the government but were denied access onto the vessel and were required to enforce their warrant, with the assistance of the South African Police Services (SAPS), to access the ship.

On 23 September 2019, SPCA Inspectors arrived at the feedlot where the 61 000 sheep are being kept until loading. The Inspectors were denied access in spite of being in possession of a warrant – this is the second time in two days that Al Mawashi have disregarded the warrants that have been issued to the NSPCA and SPCA representatives. After finally gaining entry with the intervention of the SAPS, the Inspectors had to euthanase a sheep due to it reportedly having a fractured leg. There were other animals that were limping and that had eye infections. This is an indication of the way animals will be left to suffer on board this vessel.

The NSPCA are considering laying charges for obstruction for both counts for disregarding a warrant from a Magistrate and charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962.

See full media statement: https://nspca.co.za/news/live-export-horror-nspca-condemns-al-shuwaikh-vessel/