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On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
Live sheep export

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Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful
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The RSPCA has welcomed the passage of the bill to phase out live sheep export through the House of Representatives.

“This is a historic moment in Australia’s history that brings us closer than ever before to a legislated end to this cruel and unfixable trade,” said RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell.

“We commend the Federal Government for listening to the science, doing the right thing and keeping their commitment to the Australian community.”

“The evidence supporting this position is overwhelming. Moving ahead with the legislation follows decades of evidence and consistent recommendations for the phase out of live sheep export on animal welfare grounds. No amount of regulation has been able to address the welfare issues inherent to live sheep export.

“It’s not often that the RSPCA calls for an end to a practice entirely, but live sheep export is unfixable. To put it simply - if it was fixable, it would have been fixed by now.”

“Year after year sheep suffer on live export voyages, from the serious and cumulative impacts of heat stress, overcrowding, hunger, infection, disease as well as being slaughtered while fully conscious at their destination.”

“Add to this dark history of live export disasters, and the strong community support for a phase out, and we know that phasing out live sheep export and providing assistance for farmers and the supply chain to transition is the right thing for the Australian community and for Australian sheep. 

“We call on Senators – as their colleagues in the House have done – to pass this legislation without delay so that we can finally start moving towards a better future for Australian sheep.”

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