Since November 2023, Houthi fighters have been attacking ships in the Red Sea in support of Hamas, which is fighting against the Israeli armed forces in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have stated that they will continue their attacks until the Israeli offensive ends by targetting vessels that have some connection to Israel. Additionally, since the US and UK military operations started in Yemen, ships belonging to these two countries have also been targeted.

More attacks in the Red Sea lately have forced the MV Bahijah ship to change its course and return to an Australian port. On board, the ship has approximately 20,000 animals, and the journey is being made more difficult by the high temperatures, which can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.

The Australian government has assured that they are taking good care of both sheep and cattle on board a vessel. The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that the ship is being replenished with supplies to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of the livestock. Additionally, two veterinarians have checked the health of the animals and concluded that there are no signs of concern.

Some animal rights activists are nonetheless worried about the situation. Senator Mehreen Faruqi, deputy leader of the Australian Greens party, said: "Leaving sheep and cattle on the MV Bahijah in the scorching summer heat is animal torture. The government already made one gross error by approving his trip through a conflict zone. Sending them back out on another long journey is absolutely unacceptable."

Source: Rzeczpospolita