A livestock carrier destined to transport more than 3000 live cattle to Dubai is still anchored off East London despite the original export deal falling through.
The Neameh anchored on Saturday and was still in place yesterday, sparking concern among animal rights activists that livestock would be forced to take the 11-day journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ban Animal Trading director Dr Smaragda Louw said the cattle would face a “horrendous trip to hell and then be slaughtered”.
Berlin farmer Bruce Page of the Page Family Trust (PFT) said he had “left” a deal whereby the PFT would export 3400 cattle to Dubai because he had not been paid.
“We were supposed to have been paid three weeks ago,” he said.
Asked why the vessel was still anchored near the port, Page said the export broker was trying to source other cattle locally and inland.
He said he was open to future deals involving live cattle export to Dubai.
“If we can iron out the issues and if terms become favourable, we will trade with the UAE.”
Louw said the reason for live animal export was that clients required meat that had not been chilled or frozen for religious reasons.
“But these animals have difficulty breathing onboard because of the ammonia buildup from their waste. Some suffer broken horns or legs.
“Also, they are land animals so they are completely traumatised because they have no idea what is happening. It is a welfare matter.”
The Neameh, which sails under the Panamanian flag but is based in Jordan, was built in 1979. Three years ago its owners were fined $500000 for violating US environmental laws.
The vessel was found by the US Coast Guard to be pumping oil sludge overboard and slapped with a ban on calling on US ports for two years.
“This is an old ship and a rust-bucket coffin,” said Louw.
But Page pointed out that the Neameh had been fined for environmental offences not animal welfare transgressions.
“I have never been on the ship, I am in the business of cattle farming,” he said. “It’s a fully functional livestock ship. These guys don’t want the cattle to get there in a bad condition.
“It’s economical for them and in their interests that the cattle are in good condition.”
He said he had sent three shipments of livestock to Mauritius this year with more to follow.
“The rand is a bit weaker and so Australia and Kenya are more expensive. It is good for the country that we are exporting more.”
Animal Warriors East London founder Sandy Taylor said she had no doubt live cattle would make the “horrendous” journey to Dubai.
“There will be more shipments because it is very lucrative due to the exchange rate.
“Mauritius is far enough, but Dubai is very far away and conditions are awful.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Cattle ship still off EL after scuppered deal
The Neameh anchored on Saturday and was still in place yesterday, sparking concern among animal rights activists that livestock would be forced to take the 11-day journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ban Animal Trading director Dr Smaragda Louw said the cattle would face a “horrendous trip to hell and then be slaughtered”.
Berlin farmer Bruce Page of the Page Family Trust (PFT) said he had “left” a deal whereby the PFT would export 3400 cattle to Dubai because he had not been paid.
“We were supposed to have been paid three weeks ago,” he said.
Asked why the vessel was still anchored near the port, Page said the export broker was trying to source other cattle locally and inland.
He said he was open to future deals involving live cattle export to Dubai.
“If we can iron out the issues and if terms become favourable, we will trade with the UAE.”
Louw said the reason for live animal export was that clients required meat that had not been chilled or frozen for religious reasons.
“But these animals have difficulty breathing onboard because of the ammonia buildup from their waste. Some suffer broken horns or legs.
“Also, they are land animals so they are completely traumatised because they have no idea what is happening. It is a welfare matter.”
The Neameh, which sails under the Panamanian flag but is based in Jordan, was built in 1979. Three years ago its owners were fined $500000 for violating US environmental laws.
The vessel was found by the US Coast Guard to be pumping oil sludge overboard and slapped with a ban on calling on US ports for two years.
“This is an old ship and a rust-bucket coffin,” said Louw.
But Page pointed out that the Neameh had been fined for environmental offences not animal welfare transgressions.
“I have never been on the ship, I am in the business of cattle farming,” he said. “It’s a fully functional livestock ship. These guys don’t want the cattle to get there in a bad condition.
“It’s economical for them and in their interests that the cattle are in good condition.”
He said he had sent three shipments of livestock to Mauritius this year with more to follow.
“The rand is a bit weaker and so Australia and Kenya are more expensive. It is good for the country that we are exporting more.”
Animal Warriors East London founder Sandy Taylor said she had no doubt live cattle would make the “horrendous” journey to Dubai.
“There will be more shipments because it is very lucrative due to the exchange rate.
“Mauritius is far enough, but Dubai is very far away and conditions are awful.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
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