NSPCA concerned about another livestock carrier 'to be sent around the Cape of Good Hope'

CAPE TOWN - Another ship carrying about 16,000 sheep and cattle is destined to round the Cape of Good Hope.
 
The livestock carrier, called the Bahijah, is leaving Australian waters for Israel.

The vessel is, however, not using the Red Sea route due to conflict in the region.

ALSO READ:

- 'There is no excuse for live animal exports' - animal rights group

- NSPCA reiterates stance on transport of animals by seas after livestock ship docks in Cape Town

- Meat industry expert says protocols must be followed for exporting livestock after CT cattle ship stink
 
While the carrier is not scheduled to dock at the Port of Cape Town, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said there’s still cause for concern.
  
"It initially left Australia on 5 January on its way to Israel but because of the conflict in the Red Sea, it had to turn around,” said NSPCA veterinary consultant Dr Bryce Marock.

“Well first, it was going to come to South Africa to reload and then go around the Cape, but this was aborted due to many reasons. It went back to Australia. It sat in port for about two weeks with the animals onboard while people were playing games and trying to work out what to do with these poor animals."
 
Marock said the animals were then finally off-loaded, but the exporters put in a second application and were given the green light to sail with the animals.

"Those same animals - about 15,000 sheep and 1,000 herd of cattle - they've already been at sea for something up to 40 days and now they are going to be sent around the Cape of Good Hope instead of directly through the Indian Ocean through the Mediterranean and to that port, so it's barbaric."
 
Marock was part of the investigating team that inspected the Al Kuwait after it docked at Cape Town Harbour in February carrying about 19,000 cattle.

The livestock carrier was travelling from Brazil and was destined for Iraq.