NFU Scotland and Serco NorthLink Ferries have invited the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove to view the shipping system for transporting live cattle from Orkney and Shetland to Aberdeen.

The invite follows the UK Government’s recent call for evidence on controlling live exports for slaughter.

NFU Scotland president, Andrew McCornick said: “The cassette system that is operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries travelling from the Northern Isles to Aberdeen is an excellent example of transport from the Scottish islands where welfare of stock is at the forefront - from loading, to shipping, to unloading.

“Having seen the system in operation, I am convinced that it is an example of best practice in the movement of animals.”

Australia’s live exports

Meanwhile, the Australian Government have launched an investigation into the live export of sheep, following recent viewing of footage provided by Animals Australia which detailed the death of around 2,400 sheep on board a ship travelling from Australia to the Middle East last August.

The sheep on board the export ship died as a result of heat stress.

Australia’s Agriculture Minister David Littleproud announced that the department is considering a heat management plan for sheep exported to the Middle East during the hottest summer months.

He has also threatened to block to departure of ships from Australia carrying 65,000 sheep while the investigation continues.