News

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council exporters assist in investigation of Indonesia ESCAS breach

The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) is aware of a recent incident in which four Australian cattle have been slaughtered in a breach of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).

“All Indonesian exporters immediately undertook investigations into their own systems when the non-compliance was brought to their attention. The cattle have been confirmed as Australian and the exporter has identified the supply chain, in fact the exact facility that the cattle came from. That facility has been suspended by all Australian exporters that supply it. Exporters are also reviewing other supply chains in light of the incident. We have also contacted the producer that supplied the cattle, informing them of these measures.” says ALEC CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton.

ALEC is taking this matter very seriously and will continue to assist our members and the Department of Agriculture throughout the investigation. ALEC has reviewed the footage and the treatment of the cattle at the non-approved facility was unacceptable. The exporter is taking steps to engage the facility outside the approved supply chain where the cattle were slaughtered in order to ensure that this does not occur again.

ALEC members have adopted a Code of Conduct and have implemented a Conduct Committee comprised of independent eminent Australians that will consider any potential breaches of this code. The code is compulsory for all members and contains sanctions for breaches. Consistent with this, ALEC and its members have instigated action under the code.

“It is imperative that ESCAS is upheld in market throughout the entire supply chain, that any breaches are identified and resolved and that Australian animals are treated appropriately. As an industry we are committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare throughout the entire supply chain. Circumstances of the trade are such that a self-report is not always possible, and we welcome issues being brought to our attention immediately, as this will expedite the protection of animals in a non-compliant supply chain.”

“We have written to Animals Australia (AA) who identified the breach notifying them of the actions we have undertaken to address the situation. We have requested that if AA are in possession of any further information, that they come forward immediately so that the welfare of animals can be protected.” says Mr Harvey-Sutton.

Media
Annie Frisch
Communications and Media Director
Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council
m 0476 844 886
media@livexcouncil.com.au