Keep The Sheep Here Campaign
Stop Live Exports has partnered with Animals Australia and the Australian Alliance for Animals to collaborate on the Keep The Sheep Here campaign. Together, we’re raising awareness, influencing political leaders, and urging Australians to stand up for what’s right.
Over 20 years, Animal Australia’s investigations have revealed the inherent suffering of animals subjected to the live sheep export trade.
While evidence obtained has prompted some regulatory reform, Animals Australia has lodged over 70 extensive legal complaints to the Commonwealth regulator exposing the unwillingness of exporters to follow the rules, and fortifying the political case for the trade to end.
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations to create systemic change for animals.
Our aim is to create an independent animal welfare policy system that works for animals, not against them. Through our programs we lead sector-wide support for crucial reforms, hold decision-makers to account, and bring our members and allies together to strengthen the representation of animals.
The Facts
Live sheep exports account for
%
of Australia’s agricultural exports
Source: Independent Panel Report, 2023
More than 7 in 10 Australians
Support the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.
Source: RSPCA Australia, 2024
About the campaign
The live sheep export trade has been one of Australia’s darkest animal welfare chapters. For decades, millions of sheep endured horrific conditions aboard export ships—overcrowded, unsanitary, and often deadly. But in 2028, this will come to an end.
On 1 July 2024, the Australian Government passed legislation to phase out live sheep export by sea to address the serious animal welfare issues within the trade–but our work isn’t over. With the 2025 Federal Election approaching, and the Federal Coalition threatening to repeal the legislation, the 1 May 2028 end date is at risk. It’s crucial to maintain pressure on political leaders to show that Australians stand firmly behind the phase-out.
Australian sheep have suffered enough
Despite being enshrined in legislation, the ban is under attack. Opposition groups and political parties are actively campaigning to repeal it. Their tactics include misinformation campaigns and targeting marginal electorates to sway public opinion.
We cannot let cruelty return. Together, we must hold the line and ensure the ban remains.
The Truth
Diving into the Numbers
Sheep meat exports to the Middle East alone are worth 16x more than live exports.
Source: Rural Bank, 2024
Transitioning away from live sheep exports to onshore processing adds up to 800 additional direct jobs and many more indirect jobs.
Source: Standing Committee on Agriculture, 2024
The legilsated phase out is backed by a $139.7 million adjustment package to help farmers transition to the growing onshore chilled meat export industry.
Source: DAFF, 2024
Action
How You Can Help
Engaging with politicians is a powerful way to influence change on issues that matter to you. Whether it’s meeting with your local MP, writing an email, or starting a conversation on social media, your voice can help shape policies that create a fairer Australia for animals.
Support our Campaign
Help us keep the momentum going!
Support our Chuffed campaign to push back against threats to the 2028 live export ban.
Every dollar fuels advocacy & media efforts for animals. Donate today!
Snap & Share a Billboard
Seen one of our billboards?
Our campaign is live in key electorates, urging voters to support the ban.
Snap a photo, tag us on social media, and use #KeepTheSheepHere to amplify the message.
Despite being enshrined in legislation, the ban is under attack. Opposition groups and political parties are actively campaigning to repeal it. Their tactics include misinformation campaigns and targeting marginal electorates to sway public opinion. We cannot let cruelty return. Together, we must hold the line and ensure the ban remains.
