The myths exposed by VALE

Earlier this year, VALE noted a very high mortality voyage  recorded in the parliamentary report for the period (see blog). VALE applied for the voyage docs under FOIs...receiving them two weeks ago ..and analysis of those has opened a whole can of worms.

These voyage records show that no amount of extra space will prevent a heat crash in a Middle east summer and that the exporters know that the space allowances designated by ASEL (0.308 square metre per 47kg sheep) are inadequate. The voyage documents make it clear that every available bit of space on a ship is utilised when transiting through the Gulf in summer eg alleyways/ramps etc. The Al Messilah sailed with probably 10% extra space...they then had extra space due to sheep dying and unloading...and they opened pens up to every bit of space but nothing stopped the deaths or the suffering.

ASEL is clearly inadequate for these voyages at this time of year. The heat stress risk assessment, analysed by VALE in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, is likewise flawed. VALE believe that long haul voyages from southern ports  to the Middle East summer must be stopped....permanently. As for ASEL....well, its up for review..but VALE are unlikely to be included on the review panel!

See also: https://www.maritime-executive.com/features/australia-rethinks-animal-welfare-again
https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/sheep-on-ship-died-from-heat-ng-b88561095z
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-08-09/documents-reveal-how-sheep-died-from-heat-live-export-ship/8790918