The following AAP article is on the Sydney Morning Herald and Age websites at:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Business/Cattle-exports-to-Egypt-set-to-resume/2006/10/03/1159641319186.html
and
http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Cattle-exports-to-Egypt-set-to-resume/2006/10/03/1159641319186.html
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Cattle exports to Egypt set to resume
October 3, 2006 - 6:49PM
Australia is set to resume live cattle exports to Egypt after a seven-month ban prompted by claims of animal cruelty.
The federal government suspended exports in February and began investigating allegations Australian cattle were being mistreated at an Egyptian abattoir.
A TV current affairs program showed footage of cattle at Cairo's Bassatin abattoir being stabbed in the eye before having the tendons in their back legs cut so they could not escape.
It also showed a steel restraint box, provided to the Egyptians by Australia to improve their handling of cattle for slaughter, which appeared to have never been used.
Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran on Tuesday said an investigation found the cattle shown in the footage were not from Australia.
He has signed two memorandums of understanding with Egypt after receiving assurances from Cairo that it would treat Australian animals in line with international standards.
Live exports to Egypt could resume within weeks.
"I acknowledge the close cooperation received from the livestock export industry in developing the arrangements with Egypt," Mr McGauran said.
"This reflects government and community expectations that good animal handling must occur throughout the supply chain, and that Australian animals must continue to be treated well even after they leave Australia."
Under the new agreement, three Egyptian abattoirs - including Bassatin - will be accredited to handle Australian cattle.
Cattle would be traced from the farm gate to Egyptian feed lots through their Australian National Livestock Identification System tags.
The arrangements will be audited independently to ensure compliance.
Mr McGauran said Egypt had also agreed to make sure animals were unloaded quickly and humanely on arrival and provided with feed, water, shelter and veterinary care.
The peak beef industry body, the Cattle Council of Australia, welcomed the agreements.
"We will defend this important trade to the hilt and we stand by our animal welfare standards, the highest in the world," council president Bill Bray said in a statement.
"We are confident our livestock will receive high standards of animal care in Egypt."
(END OF AAP ARTICLE)
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Date: Tue Oct 3 09:25:20 2006
