Australian sheep ship low on fodder

The government yesterday rejected as untrue reports that 50,000 Australian sheep stranded aboard a ship in the Middle East were about to run out of food, while their Saudi owner tried to give them away for free.

The sheep were barred from Saudi Arabia last month after officials there claimed that 6 percent of the 57,000 animals were infected with scabby mouth disease -- 1 percent more than the Saudi government allows.

The animals' fate has shone the spotlight on Australia's multimillion dollar live export trade, which animal rights activists denounce as inhumane because livestock are transported for weeks in ships that are often crowded and extremely hot.

Live shipments are worth about A$195 million (US$124.8 million) a year to Australian exporters.

The sheep's owner is now offering to give away those that haven't already died in the scorching heat after his efforts to sell them were unsuccessful. An Australian vet on board the MV Cormo Express has told media outlets that up to 4,000 sheep have already died, but the government says it is more like 1,150.

Animal activists have offered to help have the sheep destroyed to end their suffering.

The opposition Labor Party said yesterday the government's efforts to get port access to pick up feed for the animals had been unsuccessful.

"Labor understands the ship has been unable to obtain more than limited fodder supplies and if additional supplies cannot be found, the situation may become critical later today,'' opposition leader Simon Crean and primary industries spokesman Kerry O'Brien said in a joint statement.

But Agriculture Minister Warren Truss denied a looming crisis.

"Claims that the sheep will run out of fodder today are untrue," his spokesman said on condition of anonymity. "The Australian government has been advised in writing ... from the master of the Cormo Express that there is adequate fodder on board and arrangements are being made to take on more."

Crean O'Brien said the duration of the voyage -- it is now seven weeks since the ship left Australia -- and a high mortality rate meant the crisis had to be brought to an end.

"Mr. Truss's incompetence has brought the live export industry to its knees and damaged Australia's trade reputation and animal welfare standing,'' they said.

Truss the government would continue to help the Saudi owners find a taker for the sheep.

Kevin Shiell, chief executive officer of livestock export group Livecorp, said negotiations with an unnamed government to accept the sheep were continuing.

Livecorp, which sold the animals, said the sheep are in good condition, have plenty of feed and water and are not stressed.