Media release 19 November 2008
‘No truck, no sheep’
Proper transport for Australian sheep in Bahrain during Eid Al Adha
Locals purchasing Australian sheep in Bahrain during the Eid Al Adha festival will be told ‘no truck, no sheep’ under an initiative being implemented by Bahrain Livestock Company (BLC).
Anyone arriving at the feedlot intending to transport sheep in cars will be refused and will only be sold sheep once they return with the proper truck transport.
“We are working with Meat & Livestock Australian (MLA) and LiveCorp to improve animal welfare and community understanding of how to transport Australian animals,” said Bahrain Livestock Company Chairman, Mr Ebrahim Mohamed Ali Zainal.
”We are seeing improvements and have already turned away people who wanted to transport sheep in their car. These people were asked to return with acceptable transport.”
During the festival period thousands of people arrive at the feedlot eager to purchase a sheep to celebrate Eid Al Adha. That’s why BLC, with MLA and LiveCorp’s help, has developed advertising and posters with clear instructions on the proper handling and transport of live animals.
“Strong local support is crucial in improving animal welfare in the Middle East,” said Australian animal welfare expert Peter Dundon, who is based in the region.
“Whilst Australia provides training and support in the marketplace, it is actions like this BLC initiative that have the capacity to change individual practices and influence the broader Middle Eastern community.
“I’ll be at the feedlot with some of our Australian experts to help as much as we can and provide instruction on correct handling of Australian animals. We are confident in BLC‘s ability to ensure Australian animals are transported appropriately from the feedlot during the festival.”
The Eid Al Adha festival runs for three days in December 2008.
For more information contact:
Yvette Farrell, MLA/LiveCorp: Ph (02) 9463 9388; 0416 189 775
View Bahrain flyer
See the real picture
Footage of Australian sheep in the Middle East - in feedlots, loading and discharge; of stockmen training and interviews with Australian animal welfare experts and industry representatives
The livestock export footage