An export boat which is set to transport 63,000 live sheep from South Africa to Kuwait has led to outcry from activists who say the boat will cause extreme suffering and death to many animals.
Welfare groups have failed in attempts to prevent a second boat this month leaving Cape Town to arrive in Kuwait.
According to local news, the partnership between the exporters and farmers in Kuwait will hugely boost the economy, with the deal worth nearly £6m.
Animal rights activists held protests following a string of investigations in recent years which reveal brutal conditions onboard export ships.
Abuse
Sheep are often exposed to extreme overcrowding, crushing and dehydration which often leads to the death of many animals.
NSPCA executive director Marcelle Meredith said in a statement: “The NSPCA has obtained warrants for the feedlot and the harbour and ship and is sending a team to East London to monitor the loading and intervene when the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 is contravened.
“Our current warrant remains valid so if the ship arrives and they start loading, we will have access to the harbour and the ship to monitor the loading process.
“We are flabbergasted that Al Mawashi would send a ship with a similarly bad reputation to the Al Shuwaikh, essentially another rust bucket, to South Africa after the 2019 export outrage.”
‘Humane?’
Government-owned importer Al Mawashi (AM) has dismissed the activists’ claims, with managing director Ilyaas Ally quoted by the Daily Dispatch accusing protesters of creating narratives that “do not fully understand or appreciate the potential of the live export industry as a catalytic driver for socio-economic development and a more inclusive agricultural economy”.
“AM not only adheres to but exceeds all the standards and regulations for animal welfare and protection established by the World Organisation for Animal Health,” he said.
“The export of animals across the ocean on livestock carriers is in no way unlawful or illegal. The shipping of livestock is done in a very, very humane way.
“We are aiming to build a business that will turn-over R1.5bn per annum.”
Activists from welfare group Ban Animal Trading have attempted to inspect operations on the huge export boats, but claim they were refused entry.
“We would like to see proof of this ‘humane way’. Why won’t they allow anyone on the ship to see for themselves? There’s no proof to their claim,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Share this article to reveal the truth behind the meat industry.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Bristol crowned most vegan-friendly city in the UK
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 13th January 2021
The city ranked just above London, Edinburgh, and Belfast as one of the top cities for vegans. Bristol has earned the top spot of being the most vegan-friendly city in the UK, according to new research. With over 1 million Brits now taking up a plant-based lifestyle – with many inspired by Veganuary- the study …
Lewis Hamilton awarded knighthood in UK’s New Year Honours list
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 1st January 2021
“All of us congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021.” Lewis Hamilton has added another feather to his cap after he was knighted in the UK’s New Year Honours List, officially declared on Wednesday evening. The honour, which is in recognition of …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …