SOME sheep stranded on a live export ship off the coast of Western Australia have died as the federal government is yet to make a decision over the fate of thousands of animals onboard.
As MV Bahijah remains stuck at Fremantle Port, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry has confirmed that a low number of sheeps have died onboard.
The exact number of livestock that died remains unclear, but Australia’s chief veterinary officer said the mortality rate was low.
The Israeli-owned ship left the port city of Fremantle on January 5 but was forced to return to Australia on January 20 after receiving a warning that it could be targeted by the Houthi rebels.
Around 15,000 sheep and 2,500 cattle are on board, as confirmed by the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council.
Unloading the livestock is banned as part of Australia’s strict biosecurity regulations.
The sweltering heat and the demand by protesters to end live export trade added to government pressure.
The government is yet to decide on whether the animals onboard will be re-exported.
