An end to live sheep export means a stronger future for animals and Australians.  

On 1 July 2024, the Australian Government passed legislation to phase out live sheep export by sea to address the serious animal welfare issues within the trade–but our work isn’t over. With the 2025 Federal Election approaching, and the Federal Coalition threatening to repeal the legislation, the 1 May 2028 end date is at risk. It’s crucial to maintain pressure on political leaders to show that Australians stand firmly behind the phase-out.


This pivotal decision is:

Backed by science

Contemporary animal welfare science demonstrates that live sheep export causes unavoidable and extreme suffering.

Backed by evidence

Dozens of investigations have revealed sheep being subjected to cruel and rough handling, brutal slaughter practices and literally 'cooking alive' inside live export ships.

Backed by community values

7 in 10 Australians support an end to live sheep export.

Creating local jobs and economic growth

To support the transition, the Government has committed $139.7 million to help sheep farmers transition and bolster the domestic meat processing and export sector, creating opportunities for local value-adding, jobs growth and stability.

Ensuring all Western Australian sheep are slaughtered here in Australia rather than overseas will value-add to local supply chains and increase total employment in WA due to additional jobs in local abattoirs and meat processing facilities.

Importantly, transitioning to the chilled and frozen meat trade will still require sheep producers, stockpersons, shearers, vets, and truck drivers.

Live sheep exports account for

only 0.1%
of Australia’s agricultural exports

Source: Independent Panel Report, 2023

Sheep meat exports to the
Middle East alone are

worth 16x more
than live exports

Source: Rural Bank, 2024

More than

7/10 Aussies
support the phase out

Source: RSPCA Australia, 2024

Australian sheep have suffered enough

The conditions aboard live export vessels and upon arrival in importing countries are inhumane. Sheep endure cramped, unsanitary conditions and hot, humid climates.

A distressed sheep lies on its side, with its mouth open, overheating on the ground.
A sheep on a live export ship is collapsed on the floor which is covered in excrement. The sheep is holding it's head up, panting.
A sheep at a market is being grabbed and treated roughly by two unidentified people.
A sheep covered in dirt looks into the camera whilst sitting on a floor amongst bags of rubbish.
Three sheep are squashed into a regular sedan sized boot, contorted in shape to fit into the small space.
The head of a sheep onboard a truck is visible over the barrier, panting, drooling and in distress.
A sheep is forcibly held down by a person, with their knee to the sheep's neck and and hand to the sheep's head. The sheep's expression is one of fear.

Never again.

Although the live sheep export ban is legislated, our work isn’t over. With the 2025 Federal Election approaching, it’s crucial to maintain pressure on political leaders to show that Australians stand firmly behind the phase-out. We’re campaigning to ensure the ban is fully enforced, the transition package is delivered, and no setbacks threaten the welfare of animals or the progress we’ve made.

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