Investigations launched into sheep deaths on flight from Perth to Singapore

Updated October 07, 2014 13:37:21

A series of investigations have been launched into the death of 174 sheep on board a plane flying from Perth to Singapore last week.

Singapore Airlines says the sheep, part of a larger consignment travelling on a cargo freighter, were found to be dead on arrival in Singapore last Thursday.

An initial investigation by Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority suggests the sheep, who were destined for the Muslim festival of sacrifice, may have been affected by heat stress.

A Singapore Airlines spokesman said the consignment was handled strictly according to International Air Transport Association's procedures for the carriage of livestock.

'Singapore Airlines Cargo will continue to co-operate fully with the authorities with the ongoing investigations as to why the unfortunate incident took place,' the spokesman said in a statement.

The Australian Department of Agriculture will conduct its own investigation, working with the exporter and Singaporean authorities.

The department says the exporter reported the incident once it became aware the deaths had exceeded reportable mortality levels.

A report into the investigation will be published on the Agriculture Department's website.

Topics:livestock, livestock-welfare, international-aid-and-trade, singapore, perth-6000

First posted October 07, 2014 12:15:30