Animals’ Angels observe and document the loading of a number of lambs from the days sale and the arrival of sheep for the sale the next day. The yard is accredited under the National Saleyards Quality Assurance (NSQA). Part of the accreditation prohibits the use of electrical shock prodders on sheep and requires all dogs to be muzzled however we observe 2 drivers who relentlessly use an electrical prodder on sheep even when they are moving. (Use of an electrical goad on sheep also violates the OIE recommendations). We also note unmuzzled dogs being used on sheep, vendors not using a ramp to unload sheep from trailers/utility and a lack of non-slip flooring in the transport. As the sheep are unable to grip the floor they slip as they fall out of the transport. Hundreds of sheep are penned in a holding pen awaiting loading – most of which are unable to access the water trough because there appears to be just one trough and the pen is so crowded. The water is warm and the sheep seem reluctant to drink it. It appears there is no senior supervisor in attendance; so who is present to assess the fitness of the animals upon arrival? Additionally what happens to sheep which are injured and need immediate attention?
