Another tragic case in the transport of live animals overseas. A ship carrying 43 crew members and more than 5,800 cows reportedly capsized after sending a distress signal from an area affected by Typhoon Maysak in the East China Sea.
Sadly, only one person from the ship which departed Napier, New Zealand, on August 14th has been rescued, all cows have perished.
As previously reported by WAN, more than 14,000 sheep drowned off the coast of Romania last year.
“These cows should never have been at sea. To make matters worse they’re likely all pregnant,” said SAFE For Animals Campaigns Manager, Marianne Macdonal, in a statement. “This is a real crisis, and our thoughts are with the families of the 43 crew members who are missing with the ship. But questions remain, including why this trade is allowed to continue.”
As per the organization’s Facebook page, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has “temporarily” suspended live cattle exports in the wake of the devastating news.
That is not enough. The cruel trade which puts live animals at risk must end, period.
