We’ve just been informed that Australia’s live export regulator has rejected the application to re-export thousands of sheep and cattle trapped on the MV Bahijah after a month at sea.

As you know, 16,000 cattle and sheep have been languishing inside the live export ship after it was forced to turn back to Western Australia due to increasing conflict in the Red Sea.

The live export industry expressed its intention to re-export the animals, forcing them to endure an even longer and more gruelling route around Africa.

Tonight, the Federal Department of Agriculture has announced that it will not approve the application, citing the failure to meet animal welfare and importing country requirements.

Our immediate feeling is one of immense relief. The complexity of the work we’ve done behind the scenes Mark may not have made headlines, but it gave the regulator reason to reject the export permit application. 

I am also so very grateful to our legal team who worked day and night to find avenues to prevent these animals from facing 60-plus days at sea. And our thanks also to our colleague groups, both here and abroad, who have so exceptionally represented these animals. 

It is important to note though that we do not see this as a ‘win’ but instead, a reprieve.

It’s unclear what will happen to the animals now, as this situation is unprecedented. One possibility is that the exporter will unload the animals, rest them and in weeks to come, re-apply for another export permit, meaning these animals may still face further export.

I know you’ll agree that the thousands of surviving sheep and cattle who remain inside the MV Bahijah have endured enough — they should never have to set foot on a ship again.

For now, we take a breath — and we work on next steps. Stay tuned, and as always, thank you for making our work on behalf of animals possible.

For the animals, 

Lyn White AM Director of Strategy (AA)

and Diana and Mark (WAV)