On 1 July 2024, the Australian government passed legislation to end live sheep exports by sea, setting a definitive end date of 1 May 2028. This trade has caused horrific suffering for millions of sheep and its phase-out is backed by science, public pressure, and economic evidence.

With the 2025 Federal Election approaching, the ban on live sheep export is at risk. The Federal Coalition has threatened to repeal the legislation, putting the 1 May 2028 ban at risk. If they succeed, millions of sheep will continue to endure horrific suffering on long, gruelling sea journeys, facing heat stress, overcrowding and inhumane slaughter overseas.

If elected, the Liberal and National Parties have pledged to scrap the ban on live sheep exports.

Why we must protect the ban:

• Live export is cruel – Sheep suffer from heat stress, overcrowding and brutal slaughter practices overseas.
• The trade is declining – Live sheep exports make up just 0.1% of Australia’s agricultural exports, while sheep meat exports to the Middle East alone are worth 16x more.
• The transition package supports farmers – The Government has committed $139.7 million to help farmers move towards local processing and more sustainable exports.
• Australians support the phase-out – 7 in 10 Australians want an end to live sheep export.

Sign our petition to demand that the government:

• Keep the ban on live sheep export.
• Bring the date forward.
• Extend the ban to all species.

Australians want live sheep export to end.

We pushed for this ban through political pressure, public campaigning and securing commitments from key decision-makers. We need your voice to ensure the ban remains in place. 

Help us keep the ban on live sheep export. For a kinder future - for all animals.

You can take action by signing and sharing our petition - and if you haven't already, please consider becoming a member of the Animal Justice Party today!