Australia reacts to new animal slaughter controversy
14/12/2012
The complaint followed the showing on Australian television of footage, originally shown in Israel, of mistreatment of sheep and cattle the Bakar Tnuva abattoir. “The images are distressing and show some staff actions that are not consistent with the animal welfare standards that are a condition of approval for the export of Australian animals,” DAFF said in a statement.
It said livestock exporters in Australia rely on independent audits when choosing supply chain partners overseas. The aim of the audits is to establish whether the supply chain partner can meet Australia’s regulatory requirements. Further regular performance audits are then required after animals have entered that supply chain.
“An initial independent audit of the Bakar Tnuva abattoir was undertaken in July 2012,” the government department confirmed. “DAFF publicly released a summary of the outcomes of the initial audit on 4 December 2012. The initial audit found the abattoir met requirements. However, the initial independent audit was just that, a first initial audit. Australian livestock exporters currently with consignments in Israel will be required to submit subsequent performance audits after livestock have moved through the supply chain.”
It said that exporters, animal welfare organisations, the media, or members of the public with information that any livestock facility overseas falls short of the standards Australia requires should immediately report that information to DAFF.
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