THE RSPCA today slammed a decision by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service to continue to allow sheep to be packed on voyages to the Middle East.

The RSPCA said a group of live exporters legal action against the Federal Government after AQIS imposed additional space requirements of 10-15% for sheep on two-tiered open decks, in an attempt to manage heat stress.

RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil said AQIS had avoided a law suit by easing rules to 5-10% more space but, by capitulating to live exporters, they may seriously compromise sheep welfare on future voyages.

“This decision simply proves that the live export industry will always put profits ahead of the welfare of animals,” Ms Neil said.

“AQIS implemented the stricter requirements – and these were only to be imposed until the end of October – because there was a problem and the fact that exporters took issue with it says a lot about where their priorities lie.

“The RSPCA is urging AQIS to refuse to be bullied by live exporters whose decisions are clearly ground in economics not animal welfare.”