The State Government takes animal welfare very seriously and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) works with other regulators to respond to animal welfare incidents.
DPIRD conducted a thorough investigation into the death of 2400 sheep on board a vessel bound for the Middle East in August 2017.
As a result of the investigation and after considering the public interest of pursuing prosecution, Emanuel Exports Pty Ltd and two directors were charged with offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA) in 2019.
After considering all circumstances and available facts in preparation for the trial, DPIRD has decided that it is not in the public interest to continue with the prosecution.
All charges against the company and its directors have been discontinued in the Perth Magistrates Court today.
DPIRD’s decision took into account the complexity of the case, the public cost of a trial, the administrative sanction (penalty) already incurred by the company and changes to operating practices made by the company to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.
The department also considered the changed industry operating conditions, including the moratorium on live exports during the northern hemisphere summer.
DPIRD will continue to work with industry to ensure that community expectations with respect to animal welfare are maintained.
