This past week, Fremantle Port became the stage for two shocking incidents that highlight the cruelty and systemic failures within the live export industry. Both the Gudali Express and the Maysora have been linked to serious breaches of animal welfare standards, leaving animals to endure immense suffering.
Cattle Forced to Load in Extreme Heat
On Monday, 23 December 2024, cattle were loaded onto the Gudali Express in heatwave conditions, with temperatures at Fremantle Port reaching between 38–41°C. Bos indicus cattle, renowned for their heat tolerance, were subjected to inhumane levels of stress as they were handled, transported, and loaded in such extreme conditions.
Witnesses reported the cattle visibly distressed and attempting to turn back. Legal advice confirms this violates the WA Animal Welfare Act 2002, which prohibits handling animals in a manner likely to cause unnecessary harm.
Shockingly, temperatures dropped significantly to 32°C just 24 hours later, meaning this unnecessary suffering could have been entirely avoided. This lack of foresight and care exemplifies the live export industry’s failure to prioritize animal welfare.
Sheep with Open Wounds Loaded onto the Maysora
On Saturday, 27 December, the Maysora began loading approximately 42,000 sheep destined for Jordan. Witnesses observed sheep with visible injuries, including open head wounds—conditions that should have rendered them unfit for travel under the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL 3.3).
Further compounding this cruelty, handlers used electric prods and sticks to force the injured and frightened animals onto the ship, a clear breach of ASEL’s requirement to prevent injury and minimize stress during the loading process.
Demand Accountability and Action
These incidents reveal systemic failures within the live export industry and highlight the urgent need for reform. If you share our outrage, we urge you to take action:
- Write to DPIRD
Demand an immediate investigation into these breaches of animal welfare laws.
- Contact Your Local MP
Tell them that these violations are unacceptable and that stronger action is needed to end live export cruelty.
- Download Our Template Complaint Letter
We’ve made it easy to raise your voice. Download our pre-drafted complaint letter to send to DPIRD and your local MP.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email Address] [Date] Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, WA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Non-Compliance with Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding two separate incidents of animal welfare breaches that occurred at Fremantle Port in late December 2024: the loading of cattle onto the Gudali Express on Monday, 23rd December, and the loading of sheep onto the Maysora on Saturday, 27th December 2024. Cattle Loading onto the Gudali Express Weather reports confirm temperatures at Fremantle Port reached between 38–41°C during the loading process of the Gudali Express, with some areas experiencing even higher heat. This handling and transportation of Bos indicus cattle in such dangerous conditions is a significant breach of animal welfare standards and legislation. Section 19 of the WA Animal Welfare Act 2002 clearly states that a person in charge of an animal is cruel to that animal if it is “worked, driven, ridden, or otherwise used in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, it unnecessary harm.” The handling, transport, and loading of these cattle in such extreme temperatures undoubtedly caused stress and suffering, which constitutes unnecessary harm under the Act. Furthermore, this action contravenes the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL 3.3), specifically clause 4.1.17, which requires exporters to consider environmental management, including weather conditions, during loading. The decision to proceed with loading in such extreme heat, especially when temperatures dropped significantly to 32°C within 24 hours, demonstrates a failure to prioritise animal welfare or take reasonable steps to mitigate risks. Sheep Loading onto the Maysora On Saturday, 27 December, approximately 42,000 sheep were loaded onto the Maysora for export to Jordan. Witnesses reported disturbing scenes of sheep with visible injuries, including open head wounds, being forced onto the vessel. Many of these injuries should have rendered the sheep unfit for transport under ASEL 3.3 standards. Additionally, the use of electric prods and sticks during loading was observed, further exacerbating the stress and suffering of these animals. Section 5.1.4 of ASEL 3.3 requires that livestock handlers prevent injury and minimise stress during the loading process. The actions reported during the loading of the Maysora flagrantly breach these requirements. The use of electric prods, coupled with the handling of visibly injured animals, demonstrates an unacceptable disregard for animal welfare and a clear failure to meet even the minimum standards set out under Australian law. Request for Immediate Investigation Given the serious nature of these breaches, I respectfully request that your department urgently investigate the following: 1. The conditions under which cattle were transported and loaded onto the Gudali Express in extreme heat. 2. The decision-making process that allowed sheep with visible injuries to be loaded onto the Maysora, and the use of electric prods during the loading process. 3. The compliance of both exporters with ASEL 3.3 and the WA Animal Welfare Act 2002. These incidents highlight systemic failures within the live export industry to uphold basic animal welfare standards. As such, I urge your department to take decisive action to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future. Please acknowledge receipt of this complaint and provide an update on the progress of your investigation. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
