Australia has annnounced a temporary ban on the export of live cattle to Egypt due to claims of cruelty in abattoirs. Egyptian authorities promised to investigate the issue. A footage aired in Australia has shown Australian cattle suffering serious mistreatment at Egyptian abattoirs.
Australian Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran stated "Australia will not send further livestock to Egypt until these matters have been resolved."
And he added: "No-one involved in Australia’s live export industries would condone the actions depicted in 60 Minutes’ footage. Indeed, the actions shown are illegal under both Australian and Egyptian law."
The minister said Egypt’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) had confirmed that the practices shown are illegal in Egypt, and has commenced an immediate investigation into the allegations.
"I have personally brought the content of the footage to the attention of the Egyptian Minister for Agriculture, and requested that he provide a comprehensive response to the alleged mistreatment of Australian cattle," McGauran said in a statement.
"As well, my department’s Middle East-based Veterinarian has immediately travelled to Egypt to investigate the matter first-hand."
"I will decide future arrangements for the export of cattle to Egypt, based on the information received from Egyptian authorities and the Australian industry regarding the handling and oversight of Australian cattle in Egypt."
