Keep the Sheep Protest Convoy Disrupts Perth Traffic Over Live Export Ban
Farmers and truckers rally against the phase-out of live sheep exports, highlighting economic concerns, while animal welfare advocates defend the ban as necessary and widely supported.
- The Keep the Sheep protest convoy is causing significant traffic delays across major Perth roads, including the Kwinana Freeway and Mitchell Freeway, as farmers and truckers rally against the live export ban.
- The federal government legislated the phase-out of live sheep exports by May 2028, citing past animal welfare incidents and allocating $139.7 million for industry transition.
- Protesters argue the ban will severely harm Western Australia's sheep industry, which has invested heavily in reforming export practices over the last decade.
- Animal welfare groups support the ban, citing public outrage over documented cases of sheep suffering during transport and opportunities in transitioning to chilled and frozen meat exports.
- The protest convoy underscores deep divisions between the agricultural community and animal welfare advocates, with both sides presenting contrasting visions for the future of the industry.