Concern is mounting for thousands of sheep and cattle stranded off the coast of Australia after authorities ordered the Israeli-owned ship transporting the live cargo to turn around over fears it could be targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
More than 16,000 animals are aboard the MV Bahijah anchored off Western Australia, where sweltering heat is adding to pressure on the Australian government to decide whether to allow the ship to leave or offload the livestock following more than three weeks at sea.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said on Friday it was still considering an application from the exporter to re-export the animals. In the last two days, the ship has been cleaned and resupplied with fuel and fodder during temporary stays at Fremantle Port, near Perth, the government said.
Two independent veterinarians, engaged by the government, inspected the live cargo on Wednesday and found “no significant animal health or welfare issues,” the government said.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia (RSPCA) says a thorough examination of all the animals is impossible while they’re still on the ship.
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