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Live sheep exports to resume

Rural News
Live sheep exports to resume

Good news for sheep farmers with the national Government prepared to reintroduce live exports subject to animal welfare concerns being upheld. In a market where supply is short this must be good news for maintaining the present firm prices and return sheep farming to profit. Agriculture Minister David Carter said yesterday that the Government intends ending the six-year moratorium on live sheep exports but will have to be assured the animals are properly treated during the trip to Saudi Arabia and when they get there reports The Timaru Herald. South Canterbury Federated Farmers district president David Williams said the move to resume live sheep exports would give farmers another option."It won't do any harm provided they can meet welfare issues." The export of sheep for slaughter overseas has been a long and controversial affair. Animal welfare groups remain steadfastly opposed to the trade. However, demand for live sheep in the Middle East is now at a premium, according to recent reports. Exports of live sheep caused outrage in Timaru in 1986 when the country's freezing workers picketed the Timaru wharves as the first ship tried to take on stock. Thousands of workers blockaded the port and marched through the streets protesting at what they saw as a threat to their livelihoods. Trade grew over the next few years as New Zealand moved to fill a gap when Australia stopped exporting to Saudi Arabia following disputes over animal health standards.

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