🐑 WA Stands Up for Sheep
A Powerful Morning of Compassion and Action
Friday 28 March 2025 – In the heart of Perth, over 50 compassionate West Australians gathered peacefully to take part in the Stop Live Exports Counter-Convoy, calling for a kinder future and showing support for the legislated phase-out of live sheep exports by sea.
With just days of preparation, the turnout was inspiring — full of handmade signs, sheep costumes, community energy and a united message: WA supports the phase-out.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who showed up, held a sign, gave a smile, waved to passers-by, or shared the moment online. Your presence made a difference.
🎥 Media Coverage
Our peaceful action didn’t go unnoticed. We were joined by a range of media outlets who helped share our message far and wide:
- WA Today: Feature article
- WA Today Live Blog: Rolling updates – (see below)
- ABC Country Hour: On air from midday Friday 28th March
- ABC WA Mornings: Live cross with Lisa – Stop Live Exports Committee Member
- ABC WA Radio News Bulletin: Morning mention of our event
- Channel 10: Captured the protest for broader national distribution
- Edith Cowan University Radio: Live interview with Ruth Gourley
- The Post Newspaper: Published a letter to the editor in Kate Chaney MP’s electorate
📸 Event Photo Gallery
Check out some of the powerful moments captured throughout the morning:
👉 View the photo gallery
💬 Why We Were There
The live sheep export trade is cruel, outdated, and shrinking. Every year, thousands of Australian sheep are crammed onto ships for weeks on end, enduring heat stress, hunger, and suffering — only to face inhumane slaughter overseas.
This shift is already underway — chilled and frozen sheep meat exports are thriving, and WA processors are investing in the future. Ending live sheep exports isn’t just the ethical choice — it’s the smart one.
The truck convoy that rolled through WA on Friday was designed to cause commuter chaos and pressure our community into supporting a dying, cruel trade. But we stood calmly in contrast — representing the majority of Australians who support the legislated phase-out of live sheep exports by sea.
This issue is not about politics — it’s about compassion, common sense, and economic transition. As Ruth Gourley, spokesperson for Stop Live Exports, wrote:
“To those involved in creating mayhem on our roads, we say open your hearts, open your minds and accept that the horror of exporting living, breathing, gentle animals is completely wrong, inhumane and unacceptable.” – View the full video here
We gathered to remind the public and decision-makers that:
- 71% of West Australians — including 72% in metro areas and 69% in regional communities — support the phase-out of live sheep exports.
- The current legislation reflects the will of the people. The Albanese Government has listened and taken meaningful action.
- The live sheep export trade is not only cruel, it’s outdated — worth just a fraction of the booming chilled and frozen sheep meat industry that supports local jobs, welfare standards, and economic growth.
“It’s cruel. It’s unethical. It’s outdated. Enough is enough.”
That’s why we showed up — peacefully, powerfully, and with purpose. Because the animals can’t speak — but we can.
🙌 Thank You
To everyone who gave their time, voice, creativity and care — thank you. You’ve helped remind WA, and the rest of the country, that the majority supports progress. The animals needed us, and we showed up.
Stay tuned for more updates and how to keep the momentum going in the weeks ahead.
In kindness and solidarity,
The Stop Live Exports Team