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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the current status of the animal cruelty charges against Emanuel Exports?
The charges are still pending, and the case is scheduled for trial in the Perth Magistrates Court on November 20, 2023.
Who is calling for the animal cruelty charges to be dropped?
Federal Liberal Member for O'Connor, Rick Wilson, is urging State Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis to drop the charges against Emanuel Exports.
Why does Rick Wilson want the charges to be dropped?
Wilson argues that the legal proceedings against Emanuel Exports will negatively impact the primary producers who supply the live export trade. He suggests that the resources being used for the case should be directed towards the welfare of the sheep.
What incident led to the charges against Emanuel Exports?
The charges stem from the Awassi Express incident in 2017, where 2400 sheep died from heat stress during live export from Qatar.
Does the State Agriculture Minister have the authority to drop the charges?
It is unclear if Minister Jackie Jarvis has the power to intervene in the judicial process and drop the charges.
Has Emanuel Exports faced any consequences prior to this case?
Yes, the company had its license suspended from June 22, 2018, to December 3, 2021, but later regained its license after a successful appeal.
What is the stance of the Minister on animal welfare?
While Minister Jarvis did not indicate whether she would intervene in the case, she emphasized the government's commitment to animal welfare and the importance of maintaining high standards of care for animals.
Have the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development or Emanuel Exports made any comments on the matter?
Both the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Emanuel Exports declined to comment as the matter is currently before the court.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
