OIE and member countries urged to implement OIE rules after tragedy in Port Said
Posted on 12/03/2012
Horrifying reports recently revealed that 2700 of the 5600 cattle that were carried from Brazil to Egypt to be slaughtered for food died on board the vessel Gracia Del Mar as result of extreme weather conditions in the Mediterranean and after being refused permission to dock at Port Said, Egypt. The health status of the surviving animals upon arrival was also noted as very poor.
Following this tragedy, which is probably one the worst the live export industry has ever seen, the International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW) which represents several animal welfare organisations including Eurogroup for Animals urges in a letter sent to Bernard Vallat, Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to put its own recommendations in practice with immediate effect so that it can respond promptly and effectively to future incidents of this nature. Brazil and Egypt are also similarly implicated for not having called on the OIE to meditate.
ICFAW also stresses the importance of encouraging and assisting member countries to implement the OIE recommendations so they can have a beneficial impact on day-to-day transport and slaughter operations. The coalition further offers opportunity for constructive work with the OIE to help member countries implement these recommendations.
Comments
The long distance transport of live animals for slaughter must end. Animals suffer dreadfully on long voyages, many dying en route. After enduring hellish conditions in transport, animals often endure brutal handling and halal slaughter, which is anything but humane. I support improvements in animal care, but my view is that the ultimate goal should be a total ban on long distance transport of live animals.
By Carol Crunkhorn on 2012 03 16
Ban long distance trnsport of live animals now!!
By Marianne Thorsdatter Måsvær on 2012 03 17
What a disgusting treatment of animals. Where is the sense to this when it would be making jobs at home. This needs to end full stop. These animals depend on us for compassion and safety. We are failing them at an extreme level.
By Twyla Anderson on 2012 03 17
what is oie doing in enforcing animal welfare globally?
By albert on 2012 10 05