I must make the point that contrary to the headline for your story, the sheep involved were not sick.
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER: On April 16, a story in this newspaper titled “Sick sheep exporter falsified documents,” reported allegations that documents related to the export of sheep from Australia to Pakistan in 2012 were forged. These allegations are serious and Australian authorities are acting quickly in response. Under both, Australian criminal law and the legislation that regulates livestock exports, falsifying documents is a criminal offence. A thorough investigation into the allegations has been initiated and if proven, those responsible will be held to account for their actions.
However, I must make the point that contrary to the headline for your story, the sheep involved were not sick and the allegations do not alter the fact that their initial treatment and eventual slaughter by Pakistani authorities was needless and cruel. As your story points out, the sheep were certified by international experts as ‘disease free’ and ‘fit for human consumption’.
Australia values its reputation as an agricultural exporter, a trade worth over $30 billion annually. Last year, over 2.7 million live animals were exported to 18 countries. Australia does not export diseased animals and has a rigorous system in place to regulate this trade. The prompt investigation into the new allegations demonstrates that the system is working.
Peter Heyward
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2014.
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