Live export bill 'defies logic'
Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers’ meat and wool representative Ross Bowmar says the government’s decision to ban live animal exports by ship is a “ruse”.
“I think the whole thing is ridiculous. It is really not achieving anything. There is no scientific basis to it, no data to support that animals are harmed in sea voyages,” he said.
The controversial Animal Welfare Amendment Bill passed its third reading by government last Wednesday. All exports of cattle, deer, goats, and sheep by sea would stop on April 30, 2023.
Export of livestock had long been an issue that had divided the nation with the likes of animal activist lobby group SAFE opposing it while Federated Farmers deemed it a major contributor to the livelihood of New Zealand’s farmers.
“It is purely an ideological decision and don’t ask me what they are trying to achieve,” Bowmar said.
“What they believe in their minds is that it will somehow make a better life for animals.
“If you could explain to me why someone would pay good money for an animal and then have it mistreated, and difficult to sell at the other end of the voyage, then I might be able to understand their point of view.
“But this defies logic because it doesn’t happen.”
SAFE chief executive Debra Ashton said it was a relief that animals would soon no longer be exported by sea.
“We’ve been working tirelessly with activists across the country for decades to end live export, and we’re grateful the government has listened,” Ashton said.
“The long voyages at sea are treacherous, and as well the conditions in their destination country can have serious animal welfare consequences.”
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has said the ban would only have a small impact, as live exports by sea only accounted for 0.6 per cent of primary sector exports last year, or $265 million.
He said the ban would protect New Zealand’s reputation for world-leading animal welfare standards, as consumers become increasingly aware of how livestock was treated.
“New Zealand’s remoteness means animals are at sea for extended periods, heightening their susceptibility to heat stress and other welfare-associated risks,” he said.
The sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1 in 2019, when more than 6000 cattle and 43 crew died in the South China Sea, highlighted the risks of exporting live animals by ship.
- By Pat Deavoll