For more than a decade, 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.  

Australian animals deserve better and there is a groundswell of community support that expects better. We won't stop fighting for a phase out of live exports. Will you join us?

Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media

On 30th September 2023, the independent expert panel submitted its report into the phase-out of live sheep exports from Australia.

The panel is chaired by senior public servant Philip Glyde and includes former Labor minister, Warren Snowdon, Western Australian agriculture expert Susan Middleton and former RSPCA boss Heather Neil.

We commend the Government for recognising that the live sheep export trade is no longer acceptable in today's society, and for taking the first step to bring an end to this cruel and inhumane practice.

Now the expert panel has finished its report, we urge the Government to honour its commitment to move to quickly phase out live sheep exports, and to support the development of alternative markets that prioritise animal welfare and sustainability.

We look forward to working with the government to ensure that the phase out of these cargo ships of cruelty goes ahead.

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 of those that survive the journey are handled roughly at their destination, killed while fully conscious and many suffer outright brutality. 

Despite many years of public opposition and calls for change, Australia remains a significant player in the cruel live export industry.

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 end the suffering of Aussie sheep and cattle. Forever.