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By
Michelle Grattan
2018-07-14 22:53:37
The controversial trade of live sheep has been dealt a further blow with the Israeli government supporting a bill that would eliminate the import of animals from Australia and Europe for the mbadacre .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose wife strongly opposed the live sheep trade and made a personal appeal on the issue to Lucy Turnbull, said on Facebook:
We have approved in the Ministerial Committee for Legislation the bill banning online transport in Israel. It is our duty to act and correct this enormous suffering caused to animals.
The legislative effort was led by Knesset member Miki Zohar (Likud Party) with other members of political and political parties. A total of 28 members (out of 120) signed the bill or similar.
Zohar said the bill demonstrates the "values" of Israel. He stated that this would reduce the transport of live sheep and cattle, while increasing the import of fresh meat tax free and encouraging local production.
The bill proposes the gradual elimination of live animals intended for slaughter. At first, there would be quotas set by the Minister of Agriculture. The 2019 quota would not exceed 75 percent of the number of animals imported in 2017. The quota would then be reduced by 25 percent per year and, within three years, live imports would be entirely abolished.
The Explanatory Note to the Bill states:
Animals are imported from Australia and Europe in long sea voyages that could last for weeks. During travel, animals are high in density, covered with feces, and suffer from heat stress, rough seas and other severe damage.
Many of them get sick and many do not survive
Scientists and professional committees of Israel and around the world share the stance according to which the transport of live animals should be avoided as much as possible, the duration of voyages should be as short as possible
He adds that the quantity of fresh meat imported into Israel should increase in the next few years because tax policy changes.
Australian exports of live sheep to Israel are relatively high. This position is weak compared to other key markets in the Middle East, but the strong position of the Israeli government is important, especially because of the current problems of trade. An Israeli phase-out could also have an impact on the commercial viability of exports to Jordan, with ships regularly unloading animals in both countries.
In 2017, Australia exported 88,000 live sheep to Israel, compared with 119,049 the previous year. 33,807 cattle. From 1965 to early June, 30,676 sheep were exported to the country. suspended last month "pending a full review of the company's response to a notice of justification" to find out why his license should not be canceled.
The Israeli bill was drafted in collaboration with Israeli animal rights groups. Last week, the groups released a survey showing overwhelming public support for the bill.
Sara Netanyahu congratulated the government "for the approval of the human and moral project."
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan also praised for the bill, saying it was "a cause I had been running since I was Minister of the Environment. Carrying animals to Israel involves enormous suffering, and we must act to prevent this unnecessary suffering, while there is an alternative that causes less suffering and suffering to animals. It's a moral duty. "
Lyn White of Animals Australia also applauded this decision:
Israel has always placed a high priority on animal welfare, so it is great to see the Netanyahu government respond to community concerns and support the End of Live Imports.
The strong public support in Israel for the end of live exports is reflected here in Australia.We hope the statements of Israeli politicians stressing that we have a moral duty to protect the animals of suffering will create a pause for the thought of politicians.
Liberal MP Sussan Ley introduced a bill The trade of live sheep to the Middle East and across the Persian Gulf or the sea Red in Five Years
Michelle Grattan is a Fellow Professor at the University of Canberra, Australia.
Source: The Conversation
The opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Maritime Executive.
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