[snip]

Their sorry tale - seven weeks on the sea so far, rather than a
fortnight's trip - has raised fresh questions about Australia's
billion-dollar live animal export industry, which regularly causes
thousands of deaths and inflicts suffering that would not be tolerated
onshore.

In the face of this, what does Agriculture Minister Warren Truss say?

He quotes the on-board vet, saying the sheep - apart from about 3800
that have died - have put on weight. As the RSPCA's Hugh Wirth says,
it makes it sound like they're "enjoying some Mediterranean cruise".
They might be getting heavier, but it is not because they're living
comfortably or normally.


Warren Truss claims to have cited independant veterinary advice, but has
refused to furnish that advice to the RSPCA or the Australian Veterinary
Assocciation (AVA). He has also (according to AVA) refused to allow access
to the author of the advice.

I am sure Erica Howard loves and believes her children, but on the latest
figures 74% don't.

I wouldn't be surprised if the advice hasn't yet been written and they are
still working on it (reminded me of Yes Prime Minister when Bernard was
tangled because he claimed the minutes backed up the story but couldn't
provide them because they hadn't been written ... Oooooooops) ....