Live Export

Standards for the preparation, loading and confinement of animals for live export are set by the federal government through the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), which were introduced following the Cormo Express disaster in 2003.

The export of live sheep, cattle and goats for slaughter gives rise to multiple serious welfare problems.

Each year, Australia exports tens of thousands of dairy cattle and breeding animals to countries all over the world to increase and improve local herds through breeding programs. Unfortunately, there are no laws to protect these animals once they leave Australia.

The majority of food animals destined for slaughter overseas are first mustered on their property of origin, then loaded onto livestock trucks, transported to a feedlot or assembly depot, loaded once again onto trucks, transported to the wharf, and loaded onto the ship.

The export of any animals for slaughter has serious welfare problems — some relate to transport conditions resulting in stress, disease, injury and death and others relate to a lack of control over what happens to animals in importing countries. These risks are especially high for horses and donkeys.