Live animal exports

Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media

Parliament has finally passed the historic Bill to end live sheep exports by sea. Thanks to your dedicated support, Australian sheep will no longer suffer in the barbaric live export trade from May 1st, 2028.

For years, supporters like you and animal welfare organisations like World Animal Protection have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the immense suffering of millions of sheep and cattle in the live export trade.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australian animals suffer unnecessarily during live export because of the unbearable conditions on board, and many die in transit.

The extreme stress, illness and injury the animals endure can go on for journeys of up to 35 days. Many of those who survive the journey are often handled roughly at their destination, killed while fully conscious and many suffer outright brutality.

We welcome the transition plan of $107 million over 5 years for sheep producers but also call for additional investment in Australian-grown humane and sustainable plant-based protein options that will create economic growth and jobs.

While we would have liked the end date to be sooner, this is undoubtedly a historic win for animals. With you by our side, we’ll continue to keep the pressure on the Government to ensure this transition prioritises the welfare of our sheep.

• 2010: World Animal Protection supporters, along with the Body Shop and 60,000 Aussies call for an end to live export  
• 2012: World Animal Protection supporters help gather nearly 200,000 signatures again live export in the lead up to the federal election  
• 2013: Supporters like you help commission research into the economic impacts of phasing out live exports  

• 2022: 2,429 animal lovers like you emailed their federal MP urging them not to support live exports in the northern summer
• 2023: Supporters like you took the fight to parliament house by adding your name to our “End Live Export” advertising. You also supported a panel submission calling for an end to live export
• 2024: The Australian government commits to a phase out of live sheep export by 2028 and legislates the date!

Image credit: We Animals Media

The cruelty and suffering behind live animal exports

• Millions of our sheep and cattle suffer unnecessarily during live export because of the unbearable conditions on board.
• The extreme stress, illness and injury the animals endure can go on for journeys of up to 35 days.
• Thousands of animals die in transit each year. Many who do survive these gruelling journeys are often handled roughly at their destination, killed while fully conscious and many suffer outright brutality.

But thanks to many years of public opposition and calls for change, Australia will finally move away from cruel live exports by sea from 2028.

The need to ban live animal exports

• Moving from live export to the chilled and frozen meat trade will protect millions of animals from needless suffering.
• Independent research shows that this more humane alternative will protect Australian farmers, the economy and create new jobs.
• This should be accompanied by further investment in more sustainable and humane plant-based options. By investing in this emerging industry, Australia could help to grow and improve this sector, creating jobs on the way.
• This alternative is achievable and consistent with the responsibilities of government. 

Together, we can put an end to the barbaric live animal export industry. Forever.