Approximately 80 sheep died while being air freighted from Australia to Jakarta on Saturday evening, as reported by the Australian Livestock Exporters Council.

The federal agriculture department, which regulates the industry, has received an immediate report regarding the sheep deaths and is currently investigating the incident.

The Australian Livestock Exporters Council, along with the exporter LiveAir and the air freight operator, will cooperate with the regulator during the investigation.

The RSPCA has consistently campaigned against live exports, labeling the industry as 'unfixable' and raising concerns over animal welfare.

In response to ongoing animal welfare concerns, the Australian government passed legislation in July that will ban live sheep exports by sea, effective May 2028.

The Labor Party pledged to end live sheep exports amid rising animal rights concerns, particularly after previous incidents involving sheep dying from heat stress during transport.

To support affected farmers following the new legislation, the federal government has announced a transition package worth A$107 million (approximately $117 million).

Farmers in Western Australia have expressed concerns that the new law may lead to economic decline in some towns and plan to target Labor's marginal seats in response.

Despite last-minute lobbying efforts by Western Australian farmers and exporters, the legislation to end live sheep exports was not blocked.

The Australian Livestock Exporters Council characterized the sheep deaths as regrettable and has reported the incident to the federal agriculture department.