Call for permanent end to exporting of cattle from Port of Waterford to Algeria
Waterford Animal Concern made the call after Algeria suspended all cattle imports
A call has been made for a permanent end to the exporting of cattle from the Port of Waterford to Algeria.
Waterford Animal Concern made the call after Algeria suspended all cattle imports due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the country.
The most recent shipment of cattle from Ireland to Algeria came from the Port of Waterford in South Kilkenny.
1,600 young Continental Bulls and 155 Holstein in-calf heifers were exported on the Sarah M livestock carrier to the Algerian port city of Oran.
As of October 10, 5,400 cattle have been exported from Ireland to Algeria so far this year.
John Tierney, Chairperson of Waterford Animal Concern said: “The live export of animals from Waterford to non-EU countries is a shameful part of Waterford’s trading history.
“We are hoping that the suspension of cattle exports to Algeria from Irish ports is made permanent.
“Subjecting sentient creatures to long sea journeys to countries where animal welfare standards are not a priority is putting profit above animal lives.”
Waterford Animal Concern has said that the live farm animal export trade to the EU and non-EU countries needs to end.
It added that a more humane approach to food production needs to be adopted.