Update on state of sheep being held in Pakistan feedlot

27 September 2012

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the High Commission in Pakistan continue to be actively involved in assisting to resolve issues related to the consignment of sheep being held in a feedlot in Karachi.

The culling of Australian livestock in Pakistan was formally suspended on Saturday, 22 September, after the importer (PK Livestock) successfully applied for a court order to prevent the cull from continuing.

Representatives from the exporter, Wellard Rural Exports, continue to conduct regular inspections of the sheep currently being held in Pakistan that have been exported under the new Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).

They report that the sheep are in good condition, have access to feed and fresh water and display no signs of disease.

The department is aware of, and is looking into, reports regarding culling practices in Pakistan.

It is the responsibility of Australian livestock exporters to ensure they meet the requirements of ESCAS.

Under ESCAS, exporters must ensure that livestock will be handled in accordance with internationally accepted World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) standards up to and including the point of slaughter.

ESCAS also ensures transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain and allows the department to identify breaches and take appropriate regulatory action.

Wellard Rural Exports previously self–reported a loss of control of their supply chain in Pakistan when local Sindh authorities entered the facility and commenced culling of sheep under an order issued by the Sindh High Court. Both the importer and Wellard representatives were ordered by local authorities to leave the facility during that time.

The department will conduct a full investigation of the ESCAS non–compliance and continue to provide further information as it becomes available and can be verified through official channels.