Thousands of Australian sheep and cattle stranded on a live export ship off Perth's coast will not be sent on a lengthy journey to the Middle East, after the federal regulator refused an application from an exporter.
The animals have been on board the MV Bahijah for more than a month after it was ordered to turn back from its journey to Israel, and is currently berthed in Fremantle.
A few hundred cattle were removed over the weekend but around 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle remain on board.
The federal Department of Agriculture said it was not satisfied the exporter, Israeli-based Bassem Dabbah, met the required criteria in its application, including that the arrangements for transport were appropriate to ensure the animals' health and welfare.
The exporter had applied to re-export the animals via the Cape of Good Hope, a journey of about 33 days.
It would have meant the animals would have been on board for more than two months before it got to its destination.
Animal advocates said that plan was unacceptable and have called for the animals to be offloaded in Western Australia immediately.
But those in the livestock industry have said the animals would then end up on a feedlot which would be similar to conditions remaining on board the boat.
Development 'enormously welcome'
The department said the animals remained in good health on board the vessel, and there was no suspicion they were carrying exotic pests or diseases.
"Now that the regulatory decision has been made, [the] department supports a resolution to this matter as quickly as possible and stands ready to respond to any further requests from the commercial exporter."
The ABC understands investigations were underway at one point to process the sheep at a Victorian abattoir.
The federal Labor member for Fremantle, Josh Wilson, said the decision to knock back the export application was "enormously welcome … in the context of yet another animal welfare crisis courtesy of the live sheep export industry".
"I am glad the independent regulator has prioritised the wellbeing of the animals on board the MV Bahijah, rather than allow them to suffer what would have been one of the longest live sheep voyages in the history of this blighted trade," he said.
"It now remains for the exporter to propose another option. I urge them to get the animals ashore as soon as possible."
Process 'bloody disgraceful': WAFarmers
WAFarmers president John Hassell told ABC Regional Drive the department and government had completely mishandled the situation.
"I think their whole decision-making process has been straight-out, bloody disgraceful," Mr Hassell said.
"They had 19 days from the time they decided to turn the vessel back, they've had 19 days to come out with a decision.
"They've vacillated, mucked around and played about and finally come to a decision messing everyone around."
He said the vessel could have already been unloaded had the government and department acted more decisively.
"Instead, they made [the ship] wait out in port for a long time," Mr Hassell said.
"It could have been unloaded straight away, but it hasn't been done."
Decision 'complex' balancing act: minister
But in acknowledging the regulator's decision, the federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt noted the decision-making process was "complex", and had to balance export legislation, animal welfare considerations and the requirements of international trading partners.
"I am advised that the next steps for the livestock on board are the responsibility of the exporter," he said.
"I encourage members of the WA meat processing supply chain to assist with the handling of these animals, which are prime Australian produce.
"I know that all Australians expect a swift outcome, that complies with Australia's strict biosecurity protocols and maintains strong animal welfare standards."
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