Fate of stock on ill-fated MV Bahijah still unknown despite ban

Stock on the ill-fated MV Bahijah will not be heading to Israel —but what happens to them remains the decision of the exporter.

The fate of thousands of sheep and cattle still aboard the ill-fated live export ship MV Bahijah remains uncertain as federal authorities reject the exporter’s request for re-shipment.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry released a statement late on Monday night saying it was not satisfied the shipment would meet certain export requirements.

It has taken 10 days for the department to make its ruling on the exporter’s request to send MV Bahijah back to Israel after its initial voyage was turned around. The application for re-export of stock was submitted on January 26.

The livestock were first loaded on the vessel in January and it left the port of Fremantle, Western Australia, on January 5, destined for Israel. But the shipping company made the decision to re-route the vessel via South Africa, for fears that Houthi rebels in the Red Sea would attack the ship.

The ship with stock onboard has been docking in and out of port at Fremantle since it arrived back in Australian waters, as it awaited the department’s decision.

A DAFF spokesman said in making the decision “the regulator has considered all relevant information from a variety of sources”.

“This decision-making required thorough and detailed engagement with the legislative scheme and consideration of all available evidence and submissions, in real time as this complex situation evolved.”

The spokesman said the department was continuing to work with relevant stakeholders to manage the health and welfare of the livestock and uphold Australia’s biosecurity.

“The next steps for the livestock onboard the vessel are commercial decisions for the exporter to make,” the spokesman said.

“A range of options remain available to the exporter, and the department stands ready to assess any future application submitted by the exporter.”

The Weekly Times understands those options could include processing or re-export of the stock.

Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton said his organisation had been “imploring DAFF to be decisive and give clarity on what the next steps are for the consignment”.

Mr Harvey-Sutton said ALEC had not pursued a particular outcome during the process.

“Our task is now to work as an industry to work through next steps with animal welfare being our highest priority, noting that the animals continue to be in good condition,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.