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A ship loaded with approximately 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle is currently stranded off the coast of Australia in extreme heat, causing widespread concern for the animal’s welfare.

The vessel, initially bound for Israel, changed its course in mid-January due to potential threats from Yemen’s Houthi militia and has since been ordered to return to Australia by the government.

The fate of the animals aboard the MV Bahijah remains uncertain as they could either be discharged in Australia, where they would face quarantine due to biosecurity rules, or continue their journey to Israel around Africa, circumventing the Red Sea.

With temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), concerns about the animals’ health have intensified. Josh Wilson, a Member of Parliament for Fremantle, where the ship was loaded, criticized the conditions on board, calling the live export trade “rotten to its core.” He expressed disbelief at the prospect of a 60-day voyage under such conditions, questioning its alignment with Australian animal welfare standards.

The Australian Agriculture Ministry reported no significant health concerns with the livestock and is collaborating with the exporter and industry bodies to maintain “biosecurity and animal welfare standards.”

The Israeli firm Bassem Dabbah Ltd, the exporter, has requested the Australian government’s permission to load additional supplies for a rerouted journey to Israel. Korkyra Shipping, the ship’s manager, and Bassem Dabbah have not commented on the situation.