Australia suspends live cattle exports to Egypt
Australian livestock exporters have halted live cattle exports to Egypt after a video emerged reportedly showing animal cruelty in Egyptian abattoirs.
Animals Australia, which is campaigning for an end to the live export trade, said the footage was shot over recent months at two abattoirs approved under a joint agreement.
Alison Penfold, chief executive officer of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, said she had visited the Egyptian facilities last year and found procedures then complied with Australian requirements. "We are very genuine about the suspension. There will be no animals going into those facilities until the standards are met," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Exports to Egypt were halted in 2006 but restarted in 2010. Exports to Indonesia were suspended in 2011, also over cruelty allegations.
Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said in a statement: "The department has already consulted with the Egyptian authorities and has formally requested an investigation in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on the Handling and Slaughter of Australian Live Animals between our two countries. The department is pleased with the levels of cooperation offered to date to address the concerns."
