Following widespread media reports on the condition of 19 000 cattle aboard the Al Kuwait live export vessel that recently docked in Cape Town, state veterinarians from the Western Cape department of agriculture collaborated closely with Border Management Authority (BMA) veterinarians to monitor the vessel during its time along the coastline.
The vessel had received prior approval from the Ports Authority and the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development for loading animal feed destined for Iraq.
Expressing deep concern about the cattle’s conditions and proposing measures to prevent similar incidents, Western Cape minister of agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer highlighted the relevance of the draft Western Cape Powers Bill, aligned with the Growth for Jobs strategy, which prioritises trade and exports.
Meyer emphasised, “The Western Cape Powers Bill aims to grant the Western Cape government greater control over port management and trade. If approved, this legislation will empower the Western Cape government to intervene in comparable situations, ensuring the protection of animal and public health, advocating for animal welfare, and advancing biosecurity.”
Addressing potential amendments to the bill, Meyer stated, “I have submitted proposals to the ad hoc committee on the Powers Bill in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, specifically advocating for the inclusion of veterinary services. This addition would strengthen our ability to address issues related to veterinary care, public health, and biosecurity.”
He further outlined the envisioned impact, stating, “We anticipate that the framework established by the Powers Bill will provide legal and regulatory instruments to ensure free, safe, and healthy trade and export relations. In the interim, we remain committed to supporting relevant authorities in addressing concerns related to veterinary care, public health, and biosecurity.”
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