Farm Animals

Sea Transport of Livestock Welfare

Long-distance sea transport of live cattle, sheep, and other livestock involves extended voyages with significant welfare challenges. This trade continues despite strong welfare objections.

Key Facts

Australia exports over 1 million live animals by sea annually, primarily to the Middle East
Sheep mortality on long-haul voyages can exceed 1% even on well-managed ships
Extreme heat stress during summer voyages through the Middle East has caused mass mortality events
Several major sheep-exporting countries have announced phase-outs or restrictions on live export

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance sea transport of livestock is one of the most contested animal welfare issues in agriculture. Animals face extended periods of confinement, risk of heat stress, disease spread, and inadequate veterinary care during voyages that can last weeks. The welfare costs are high and largely preventable by replacing live export with chilled and frozen carcass trade.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for phase-out of long-distance live export of livestock
Choose domestic or locally-sourced meat where possible to avoid live export supply chains
Advocate for mandatory independent welfare oversight and real-time reporting on live export vessels
Encourage supermarkets to source from producers not involved in long-distance live export