Qatari officials had been silent regarding their decision whether to continue importing livestock from Australia. During the past weeks, the officials had found themselves in the middle of a debate between cattle importers and animal rights advocate. Qatar's Ministry of Municipal Affairs was due to release its decision concerning the matter after talking with the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which showed proofs to the ministry that sheep imports suffered from abuses during and after their shipment from Australia to Qatar. After meeting with Qatar officials, PETA stated that the ministry was considering to halt livestock imports and stop importers from getting supplies from Australia.



Meanwhile, both the PETA and the MLA (Meat and Livestock Australia) have accused each other of giving false information and allegations regarding the issue of livestock imports. PETA told the Peninsula that if farmers and exporters in Australia really cared about their sheep's welfare, they should be concerned when they see what happens to them during and after their shipment. However, the MLA has warned Middle East officials and importers to be cautious with the claims being made by the PETA and other animal rights advocates.

According to the MLA, the claims of Peta that the government of Qatar would stop importers from getting livestock supplies from Australia were false. Dr Nigel Brown, the current MLA's Manager of Livestock Services in the African Region and Middle East regions, led the MLA in countering the accusations of the PETA. Moreover, the MLA quoted Mr. Khalid Al Khater as stating that Qatar would continue with its livestock imports from Australia. Mr. Khater is the current CEO of Mawashi, which is the firm in charge of handling all livestock imports from Australia.

It must be noted that the PETA is the biggest international organization that supports the rights of animals. It was founded back in 1980 and is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. The organization has branches in several countries namely France, Italy, Germany, Canada, UK, India, Spain, Netherlands, Taiwan, and South Africa. PETA primarily seeks to address issues concerning factory farming, animals in entertainment, animal testing, and fur farming. The organization also campaigns against cockfighting, fishing, and abuse of dogs. Currently the organization is headed by Ingrid Newkirk. It must be noted that Peta conducted its Middle East tour in order to protest against sheep importers. Both the livestock importers and animal rights advocates have spent weeks debating over the issue.