PAWS

A Perth magistrate has found evidence in the live export of 1,000 sheep from WA to the Middle East.

But, because of conflicting laws between the State & Federal governments - Australia's biggest sheep exporter - has been found not guilty of animal cruelty.

Emmanuel Exports & 2 of its directors were on trial for the death of the sheep, on the voyage from Fremantle to Kuwait.

The Magistrate found the way the sheep were treated was cruel, but the company couldn't be found guilty because of inconsistencies between state & federal laws.

'It was a well found decision is all I can say. We're very happy,' said Emmanuel Exports Director, Michael Stanton.

Prosecuters had argued the sheep were old & overweight & transported in dangerous conditions.

'The animal welfare act in WA has failed in this record & this is terribly disappointing,' said an Animals Australia spokeswoman, Glenys Oogjes.

The result was a big relief for farmers who feared a guilty verdict could put an end to the live export trade - worth $2 billion a year.

The Farmers Federation admitted the industry needed to address such issues.

'It's a bit of a wake up. It shows us that the community at large has high expectations of farmers & the trade.'

The RSPCA wants Western Australia's Animal Welfare Act reviewed.

'Until the trade stops completely, we won't be satisfied,' said RSPCA spokeswoman, Lynne Bradshaw.

Source: Australian News Channel Pty Ltd

Western Australian Minister for Agriculture Kim Chance says the State Government may appeal against a court decision clearing a live animal exporter of animal cruelty charges.

A magistrate yesterday dismissed three charges laid against Emanuel Exports after more than 1,000 sheep died on a boat travelling from Fremantle to the Middle East in 2003.

The magistrate found inconsistencies in the State Animal Welfare Act and the federal law that governs live export.