The live export industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and live animal export carriers play a key role in it. Every year, billions of animals are shipped or driven overseas for weeks on end. On Sept 2nd, a cargo ship carrying thousands of “breeding” cows capsized on its way to Tangshan, China. The ship, named The Gulf Livestock I, is owned by Gulf Navigation Holdings, a company based in the UAE. Carcasses of cows were found floating in the ocean as rescue and search teams united to find missing crew members.
There is a strong market in China for New Zealand beef and the cows were being transported for breeding and fattening purposes and to later endure unethical deaths for their meat. Back in February, China outlawed their wild meat industry as the pandemic became uncontrollable and spread around the world. Since then, the demand for New Zealand beef diminished as people became more conscious of harmful meat practices. Though New Zealand currently has a suspension on live animal exportation, the pregnant cows still managed to be smuggled out of the country.
What are the Risks Involved in Live Animal Transportation?
Meat Industry contributes to Climate Crisis
The transportation of livestock are in opposition to widespread changes that are being made to help mitigate the world’s climate crisis. The meat industry is one of the primary contributors to climate change. Animal and livestock emissions account for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation Vessels do not Meet Animal Welfare Standards
Animals in the breeding phase endure stress on their way to livestock auctions and slaughterhouses. They are situated in overcrowded spaces and denied food and water. They are denied inadequate ventilation and endure sickness and sea stress while aboard old cargo ships. Hundreds of thousands of animals are transported every year to countries such as China, Russia, Turkey and the USA. Over 40,000 animals have been exported in the country of New Zealand this year. Countries such as Australia have proudly boasted of the growth and expansion they’ve seen in their livestock exportation industry.
There have been several voyages over the years where animals have died enroute to their slaughterhouse or auction house. In 2003, 60,000 sheep being transported internationally became ill with scabby mouth infection. Another incident occurred in 2012, where 1,000 breeding cattle died during a voyage. The other 200 were too ill to disembark and were dumped at sea. As a result of the cattle deaths on the voyage, ventilation systems broke down and the animals suffocated due to ammonia fumes. These transportation vessels are not designed to transport thousands of animals in the manner that was seen on Gulf Livestock I. There are too many risks involved in the live transportation on animals especially by sea.
Animals are Cruelly Harmed
There is no shortage of records that shows what happens to animals who become victim to the meat industry, auction houses and international animal trade companies. Animals have to endure tightly packed living conditions and receive insufficient food, water and rest. They are treated inhumanely during and after transport and are made to suffer. Some are dragged by their necks, are punched, kicked, shocked with electrical prods, burned and slaughtered alive in pain and agony.
Who will be accountable to these companies that engage in committing out acts of harm to animals that are transported internationally? Who will be the voice for these animals that have senselessly lost their lives? This cannot continue to go on.
To learn more or to find out what you can do help in our current climate crisis or to get involved in our advocacy efforts, visit the GLO website.
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