Nearly 16,000 Sheep Drown In The Red Sea After Ship Capsizes & Sinks In Sudan During Live Export

Another live export tragedy occurred over the weekend when a ship carrying close to 16,000 sheep, approximately 6,000 more than the vessel was equipped to hold, capsized and sank at the Suakin pier in Sudan prior to leaving for Saudi Arabia early Sunday morning.

Sadly, only an estimated 700 of the 15,800 sheep on board were reportedly rescued and saved from the horrific event which transpired two days before Ban Live Exports: International Awareness Day, which is today, June 14th.

As previously reported by WAN, animal welfare organization Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is encouraging people all over the world to take action by participating in a Tweet storm today and signing a petition aimed at persuading the EU to ban this cruel and unnecessary trade.

Ban Live Exports: International Awareness Day is held on June 14th every year, which sadly marks the live export tragedy that occurred on the same day in 2015 when 13,000 sheep tragically lost their lives during a long sea journey from Romania to Somalia. Along the way, thousands of sheep died from dehydration, starvation, and exhaustion.

“Disasters in which large numbers of animals die during long-distance transportation occur with grim regularity as animals drown or perish in ship fires or succumb to disease, heat stress or starvation,” Peter Stevenson, Chief Policy Adviser at Compassion in World Farming, said in a statement, further noting that immediate action is needed to end live exports.

Sadly, every year, millions of live animals, including calves, sheep, and pigs are transported by road, rail, sea, or air across continents around the world. More than three million animals are exported from the EU alone for human consumption. During this time, they often endure horrific conditions such as overcrowding and extreme temperatures, causing enormous pain and distress.

As part of this international day of action, hundreds of supporters gathered today at Westminster Square in London from 12.30pm to 2:00pm to call on the UK Government to honor its pledge to ban UK live exports.

Please sign the petition against this cruel trade urging the European Commission to take further steps to protect farm animals, HERE!

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg