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https://theconversation.com/thousands-of-sheep-and-cows-die-in-trucks-and-saleyards-every-year-they-need-better-protection-283262>
"When a semi-trailer burst into flames on a highway in northern New South Wales
earlier this month, it wasn’t only the driver who had to flee for his life.
In the back were about 60 cows. With the help of passing motorists, the driver
stopped traffic and tried to save the animals. With no loading ramp available,
terrified cattle were forced to jump directly from the burning truck onto the
road. Some fell and were injured, while others ran onto the highway in panic.
Several died.
This tragic incident highlights some of the hidden risks faced by thousands of
farm animals in Australia. Cattle and sheep are routinely moved long distances
from farms to saleyards, between properties, or to slaughterhouses. For the
animals, transport is highly stressful. Some are injured or die during the
journey. Others arrive so sick, weak or injured that they must be euthanised at
the saleyard.
Despite this, there has been very little scientific research in Australia on
what happens to livestock once they arrive at saleyards. My recent study
published in the journal
Animal Welfare addresses that gap. It is the first
to document mortality rates of cattle and sheep at saleyards across New South
Wales.
This isn’t just a major animal welfare issue – it’s an economic one as well.
And there are steps we can take to resolve it."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
