Millions of sheep are transported live across continents annually for slaughter or further fattening. Long-distance live sheep export causes severe welfare harms documented by independent investigations.
Live sheep export is one of the most scrutinised animal welfare issues in international agriculture. Documentary evidence from independent investigations showed sheep dying from heat stress, respiratory disease, and injury aboard vessels — welfare failures that were systemic rather than exceptional. The physiological challenge is severe: sheep evolved for open landscapes, not confined ship decks in tropical heat without shade or sufficient ventilation. Australia's decision to phase out live sheep export, driven by public outrage at documented suffering, represents a significant welfare policy achievement. The alternative — chilled and frozen carcass trade — eliminates live transport welfare harms entirely. The welfare case for transitioning from live to carcass trade is compelling and has been accepted by one of the world's largest live export nations.