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The Newry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has spoken out against the shipment of live cattle from Greenore Port in Co Louth to Israel, citing concerns over animal welfare, environmental damage and international law.
The group has raised a number of issues with the shipments, which can involve voyages lasting up to ten days. Reports from similar livestock shipments internationally have shown that animals can arrive at their destination sick, injured, severely stressed or dead following long sea voyages. The United Kingdom is among a number of nations that have banned live animal exports on animal welfare grounds.
Environmental concerns have also been highlighted. Livestock vessels generate large volumes of manure and wastewater during voyages, with waste discharge into the ocean raising questions about marine pollution and damage to ecosystems.
The IPSC has further argued that Ireland's obligations under international law require it to cease trading with Israel given the genocide being inflicted on the people of Gaza. The group also points to the US and Israeli attack on Iran as reason why it is not ethical to ship animals into regions experiencing active conflict.
Deirdre Murphy, Secretary of the Newry branch of the IPSC, said, "We are calling on people to make their concerns about this unethical practice known to the Doyle Shipping Company, operators of Greenore Port and will be holding protests at the port until this trading stops. Despite the so-called ceasefire, Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, while illegally seizing Palestinian land in the West Bank. It is beyond belief that any Irish company would even consider trading with Israel."
The Newry IPSC has said that protests at Greenore Port will continue until the shipments cease.
