Australia is closer than it has ever been to ending the export of live sheep by sea. To ensure this actually happens, this cruel trade’s end date must be locked in BEFORE the next federal election.

The Federal Government must legislate an end date in this term of Parliament — otherwise an end to Australia’s live sheep export may not occur. This would subject hundreds of thousands more sheep to the trade. It would also prolong uncertainty for Australian farmers, and further damage Australia’s international reputation.

More than 7,000 Australians showed their support via the RSPCA’s website for legislating an end date in this term of Parliament. More than 43,000 Australians signed the parliamentary petition to #LegislateTheDate and END live sheep export by sea for good. 

How can you help?

1. Write a letter to your local MP. Simply click on the ‘Join the call for change’ green button below to send a pre-filled letter to your local MP.

2. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. It’s quick, easy and a powerful way of demonstrating that you care about this issue.

2. Share our digital resources with your friends and family on social media. You might like to share this page, or even share some of our social media posts – it’ll help ensure a wider audience knows about this issue and every little thing helps to ensure an end date is legislated. Don’t forget to use the #LegislateTheDate hashtag!

3. Let your federal member of Parliament know you support the phase out. If your federal MP supports a phase out, you can do this by publishing a quick message of support to their social media, or writing to let them know that they have your support to vote for an end to live sheep export in Parliament. If your MP doesn’t support a phase out, you can let them know why this change is important to you by writing to them directly or posting on their social media. 

We suggest including some of the following points:

Setting an end date in this term of Parliament is vital to ensure the phase out occurs; ensure sheep welfare is better protected; avoid prolonged uncertainty for Australian farmers; and improve Australia’s international reputation by protecting animal welfare.

Remember, the Government has already made it clear that they are committed and the phase out will go ahead, so focus your message on how and when you would like to see a phase out.

Why end live export?

Sheep suffer throughout the live export journey, and welfare issues are cumulative and inherent across the supply chain.

They’re at risk of suffering extreme heat stress, poor conditions and overcrowded stocking densities that increase discomfort, and can limit access to food and water for some animals.

They’re at risk because of the unavoidable reality that live export leads to weeks of stressful circumstances for the sheep including repeated handling by unfamiliar people, standing in their own faeces and urine, unfamiliar environments with loud noises, varied ventilation, high humidity, mistreatment and inhumane slaughter practices once they disembark at their destination.

 We need your help to change this.

 “… if a decision were to be made on the future of the trade purely on animal welfare grounds, there is enough evidence to stop the trade. The trade is, in many respects, inimical to good animal welfare, and it is not in the interests of the animal to be transported to the Middle East for slaughter.”

– 1985 review of the live sheep trade by the Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare.

“Animal welfare is a high priority at LSS and all our shipping vessels are equipped with the latest in livestock supply facilities, including modern feeding, watering and ventilation systems.”

– From the website of Livestock Shipping Services, owner of the livestock carrier Bader III.

“The department has not taken any regulatory action in relation to this mortality event.”

The words at the end of almost every Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) investigation report into high numbers of animals dying onboard live export ships.