Watch for ‘cruelty’

Press, 17 December 1985, Page 1

Watch for ‘cruelty’

PA Wellington Watersiders would stop work during the loading of the Merino Express at Timaru if there was evidence of cruelty to animals, said the secretary of the Waterside Workers Federation, Mr Sam Jennings, last evening. In an interview with NZPA he said Timaru watersiders would not allow cruelty to animals in the loading. Watersiders would watch for stock suffering from colds and other ailments, he said. During a similar loading effort at Timaru in 1973, an S.P.C.A. officer estimated that 75 per cent of sheep

were suffering" from colds which affected' noses and eyes. This resulted in some animals being blinded. “With the stock being blind they could not see to feed or drink. Of course the blind sheep died of starvation,” Mr Jennings said. Watersiders would not allow a repeat performance. Meat workers, who were onposed to live sheep exports, and watersiders, and reached an understanding on the live sheep issue, said Mr Jennings. Restructuring in the waterfront industry meant it would be impractical for watersiders not to load the ship, he said. ’ " ■ Further report, page 3