petition against banning live sheep export trade receives 70,000 signatures
The estimated economic cost of the trade ban to the Upper Great Southern region is over $470 million.
According to the movement’s spokesman Paul Brown, the Keep the Sheep activist group is gaining popularity. Brown’s industry is facing challenges following the Albanese Labor government’s legislation to ban live sheep exports from May 2028.
Brown criticized the federal government’s rushed process in passing the ban, suggesting that it was motivated by political gain rather than animal welfare concerns. The Keep the Sheep petition has gathered 71,000 signatures and received $440,000 in donations.
The decision to ban live sheep exports was influenced by a 2018 report showcasing inhumane conditions for the animals on a ship headed to the Middle East.
The RSPCA and other leading groups have condemned the trade, with recent reports highlighting the suffering and neglect experienced by the animals during export voyages. An Econisis report estimated the economic impacts of the ban on the Upper Great Southern region to range from $474.9 million to $791.5 million over 20 years.
Industry Calls for Higher Standards to Sustain Trade
Brown argued that the live sheep trade adheres to strict animal welfare standards and contributes significantly to the economy. He urged the government to consider raising the bar on regulations rather than imposing a ban outright. Despite efforts to improve welfare practices, the RSPCA remains critical of the industry.
Four Paws Australia applauded the Senate’s passing of the Export Control Amendment, which effectively ends live sheep exports by sea. The organization believes that the ban reflects modern ethical standards and aligns with global expectations for animal treatment.
