Live export of sheep on long sea voyages causes severe welfare problems including heat stress, disease and high mortality. Campaigns for reform have achieved significant progress.
Live export subjects sheep to welfare insults across every stage: loading, road transport, sea voyage, unloading and slaughter at the destination. Sea voyages lasting weeks in extreme heat cause heat stress, respiratory disease and psychological distress from crowding and unfamiliarity. The 2018 footage from MV Awassi Express showing thousands of dead and dying sheep galvanised public and political opposition in Australia. The subsequent phase-out demonstrates that sustained welfare campaigning can achieve legislative change protecting millions of animals. The model of exporting meat rather than live animals eliminates the welfare burden while maintaining trade relationships.