POOR ANIMAL WELFARE CONTINUES IN THE NZ DAIRY EXPORT TRADE

An article in Scoop has revealed stories of horrific injury, heat stress and abortion in cows shipped from New Zealand to China. Of course this was not in the public domain and the evidence from veterinarian reports was obtained from voyages last year obtained under the Official Information Act 1982.

So, its not just Australia.....same ships, same companies, same issues  as per these two examples:

Heat stress: “On 7 May 2021, the Brahman Express departed Timaru. Seven fatalities were reported, including three pregnant Friesians who died from heat stress. Reported symptoms included abdominal discomfort, tremors, and mouth-breathing. One of these heat stressed individuals was described as “recumbent and not getting up” and was subsequently “hosed down” until she got to her feet. She died the following morning.”

Injuries: “Another vessel, the Yangtze Harmony, departed Napier on 8 April 2021 and reported 16 deaths during the voyage. Equally disturbing is the suffering these animals endured. A specific section for reporting on fractures reads, ‘Two leg fractures occurred early on the trip likely during loading. One neck fracture confirmed and one suspected, from being stuck in railings. Rib fractures in one animal presumed from trampling...The animal who had fractures in their right hind leg was not euthanised until ten days into the voyage.”

NZ has long been considered the  the poster-child of good animal welfare but their live ex trade, unnoticed prior to the sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1 is ensuring their place on the animal welfare pedestal is crumbling.  Yes,  they are doing away with the live ex trade but meanwhile, animals continue to suffer and the country's reputation is being progressively tarnished.

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2203/S00111/live-export-vet-reports-show-welfare-issues-are-still-widespread.htm