Australia live sheep export to Middle Eastern markets has been among the most publicly contested animal welfare issues of recent decades, culminating in a phase-out announced in 2023.
Australian live sheep export represented one of the clearest cases of welfare harm that was identifiable, measurable, and preventable, yet persisted for decades due to industry economic interests and political complexity. The welfare costs included heat stress mortality on ships, dehydration, exhaustion, respiratory disease, and slaughter practices in destination countries that would be illegal in Australia. The phase-out represents a genuine welfare victory attributable to sustained public pressure, investigative journalism, and persistent parliamentary advocacy. The live cattle trade continues and warrants the same level of welfare scrutiny.