Two Australian cattle exporters suspended from supplying to Vietnam
Cattle wait in an enclosure at a livestock export yard in Noonamah, about 50 km south
of the northern Australian city of Darwin in this June 7, 2004 file photo. (Photo: Reuters) The ban is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of animal cruelty after video footage released by Animals Australia last month showed Australian cattle being bludgeoned to death in Vietnamese abattoirs.
“As a result of these audits to date, two exporters have been directed to cease supply to the Vietnam market until effective measures have been put in place to address animal control, traceability and verification processes,” the department said in a statement.
Eight exporters with supply chains in Vietnam are currently being investigated by the department.
The investigation has so far seen the number of suspended facilities in Vietnam rise to 21, including three feedlots and 18 abattoirs.
Additional conditions have also been placed on four exporters including extra monitoring and supervision by in-market staff.
“Any further regulatory action to address issues identified through these audits will be determined once audit findings for each exporter are completed,” the statement said.
– TiVi Tuan-san
