MPI boss keen for independent monitors on livestock ships

A emergency review into live stock exports raises serious questions about conditions for animals onboard, accuracy of welfare reports, the experience of crew and the suitability of ships for the job. The Ministry for Primary Industries put an immediate halt on applications for live animal shipments after the Gulf Livestock 1, which went down in a typhoon in the East China Sea last month, with 43 crew, including two New Zealanders, and nearly 6,000 cattle on board. Now an independent review of how Animal Welfare Export Certificates are issued and has recommended several immediate changes. Director-General of MPI Ray Smith explains what we're going to do differently.