On 11 May 2024, the Australian federal government announce that Australia will stop exporting live sheep from 1 May 2028 – a move that has been welcomed by animal rights organisations.
“We have been working towards this outcome for decades,” stated RSCPA WA chair Lynne Bradshaw. “I congratulate the government for its considered decision which will put an end to unnecessary cruelty for millions of sheep.”
The phasing out of live export will include a $107 million support package for the sheep industry to help transition to a new future. “The four-year phase-out, accompanied by a $107m package to support producers and increase supply chain capacity, means WA can still have a thriving sheep meat industry — minus the unnecessary cruelty of shipping live animals,” said Bradshaw.
"Other states and countries have successfully transitioned from this trade and there's no reason why we can't as well. In the future, live export will be viewed as a shameful part of Australia's past. Today's announcement sets us on the path to the right side of history."
This sentiment was echoed by animal rights organisations such as PETA, Animal Australia and World Animal Protection Australia, who have all been lobbying for this change.
A historic day for sheep, and one we are celebrating at ATGO!
