Pathway for sheep exports to Saudi Arabia

“As with all livestock exports from Australia, exporters must hold a valid licence and have arrangements in place to ensure animal health and welfare requirements are met during preparation and transport,” Mr Littleproud said.

“For feeder and slaughter livestock, these animal welfare obligations extend through to the point of slaughter in the importing country.

“Exporters can apply to the department to have the required arrangements approved for the export of livestock to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“My department will continue to work with the livestock export industry to implement these arrangements and ensure smooth trade with our important trading partners.”

RSPCA Australia senior policy officer Dr Jed Goodfellow said re-opening the live sheep trade to Saudi Arabia was extremely risky and yet another animal welfare disaster waiting to happen.

The Australian livestock export industry was worth more than $2 billion in 2019-20.