Australia bans sheep exports for months

This industry initiative was implemented to manage the potential risk of heat stress, according to ALEC.

According to a statement released by the Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC), in June, July and August, the EXPORT of sheep to the Middle East from Australia will be prohibited. A memorandum was signed between the industry body and exporters to stop exporting sheep to the Middle East at this time of year. This industry initiative was implemented to manage the potential risk of heat stress. This has been reflected in legislation and is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and the Environment.

Under this legislation, sheep cannot be exported to certain countries at certain times of the year. "As research and technology advances, the ban period will be reviewed," ALEC said.

The move comes after years of protests by animal rights activists who have accused carriers of mass animal deaths while transporting them across the sea.