Live export of sheep for slaughter involves long-distance transport with significant welfare costs. Campaigns to replace live export with chilled meat trade aim to eliminate the most severe transport welfare impacts.
Live sheep export subjects animals to prolonged journeys in crowded, disease-prone conditions that cause suffering beyond that experienced in normal farm life. The high-profile mortality events during summer voyages from Australia created public pressure that ultimately resulted in the world largest sheep exporter ending the practice. The welfare case for replacing live export with chilled meat trade is strong, and the economic case is viable where importing countries have cold chain infrastructure. Ensuring that export bans in major exporting countries are maintained against ongoing industry pressure is a continuing welfare priority.