Baa-lees to a war zone

AS president of Stop Live Exports, I am deeply concerned that the federal government is considering granting live export permits to the Middle East under so-called “contingency” arrangements while the region remains affected by active military conflict.

Global shipping operators are suspending transits due to escalating hostilities and maritime instability. 

This is a volatile and unpredictable situation.

Stop Live Exports has written to those responsible for the live export trade, to remind them that animals cannot be diverted to safety mid-voyage. 

They cannot be evacuated if ports close. 

We only need to cast our minds back to the January 2024 MV Bahijah incident, when sheep endured weeks at sea in terrible conditions, before the vessel was forced to return back to Perth. 

That occurred during a far less severe escalation.

Of further concern is the government’s willingness to approve exports with contingencies such as delays or altered routes, which would significantly increase time at sea and raise serious animal welfare concerns.

When there is a foreseeable risk of prolonged suffering, the responsible decision is to pause this trade. 

Live export to a conflict zone is indefensible, and is yet another reminder that this industry is fraught with danger for the animals trapped within it.

Lisa Baker
President
Stop Live Export

Rail against safety?

SO here we go again, a month prior to the start of the WAFL footy season the question of a fence at East Fremantle Oval raises its ugly head. 

EF Council do not want one, the Footy Commission say there has to be one. 

The matter of this fence has been a point of discussion for over five years and we managed to play the whole season of home games last year with no problems. 

However as always OH&S sticks it beak in and we now need a fence in order to monitor those entering even though they don’t pay. 

If the football commission are so exercised about safety etc, they might look at the lack of hand rails in the grandstand; now there is an accident waiting to happen, not some numpty being monitored because they want to watch footy

Geoff Dunstone
Palmyra

The Ed says: Good point; the Chook has had a few of the club’s more senior members mention their fear of toppling over without the help of a handrail.