Federal Liberal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson is calling for animal cruelty charges against Emanuel Exports to be dropped, urging State Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis to use her ministerial authority in support of the live sheep export trade. The five-year case stems from the Awassi Express incident in 2017, where 2400 sheep died from heat stress. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has listed the matter for trial in the Perth Magistrates Court on November 20, 2023.
Wilson argues that the legal proceedings against Emanuel Exports will hurt the primary producers supplying the live export trade. He believes that the money and resources being used to fight the charges should instead be directed towards the welfare of the sheep. Wilson also raises the question of whether the WA government has jurisdiction over events that occurred in Qatar in 2017.
The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA president, Tony Seabrook, agrees with Wilson, stating that it is time for the government to move on from the case. However, it remains unclear if Minister Jarvis has the power to intervene in the judicial process.
Emanuel Exports had its license suspended from June 22, 2018, to December 3, 2021, during which time it was able to continue operating locally. The company later regained its license after a successful appeal.
Minister Jarvis did not indicate whether she would intervene in the case but highlighted the government’s commitment to animal welfare. The highest standards of care for animals and the investigation of allegations of animal cruelty are crucial for the industry’s future, she said.
As the matter is before the court, both the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Emanuel Exports declined to comment.
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