Millions of live sheep are subjected to a gruelling, months-long road and sea journey from Australia to the Middle East every year.

They travel in hot, poorly-lit dens with three sheep crushed into each square metre. Tens of thousands die each year from hunger, unable to recognise the concentrated pellets on the ships as food. Still more are killed or injured if they slip or fall, smothered by the other animals. Their bodies remain in the densely crowded holding area, sometimes for weeks. Those that survive are roughly unloaded and taken to 'fattening plants' before being slaughtered in deplorable conditions.

The journey is unnecessary - 80% of Australian abattoirs are Halal-certified and supermarkets in the Middle East already sell chilled meat imports alongside meat from the live trade. It is also cruel – most countries in the Middle East need to develop national rules to protect the welfare of animals during transport, handling and slaughter.

Did you know?

Every year, Australia exports over 4 million live sheep. The industry expects just under 1% of animals to die on every shipment - the equivalent of at least 40,000 animals a year dead in transit. No investigation is considered necessary until 2% die.