Australian Parliament official records

Australian Senate Votes to Ban Live Sheep Exports by Sea

Jul 1, 2024, 10:30 PM

The Australian Senate has voted to ban the live export of sheep by sea, marking a significant victory for animal rights advocates. The Labor government's legislation, which aims to phase out the live export industry, passed despite last-minute attempts by opponents to delay the bill. The decision follows the UK's recent ban on live exports of animals for slaughter. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan criticized the law, calling it an 'anti-Western Australian' measure and labeling the day 'shameful.' For decades, millions of sheep suffered in this trade. The ban is seen as a historic win for animal welfare organizations such as Animals Australia.