Perth exporter hit with animal cruelty charges after death of 2400 sheep

Perth-based live export company Emanuel Exports and two of its directors have been charged over alleged animal cruelty.

Sheep on board a ship. Source: AAP

Emanuel Exports and two of its directors have been charged over alleged animal cruelty following a deadly voyage from Fremantle to the Middle East.

Distressing footage showed thousands of heat-stressed sheep dying onboard the Awassi Express in August 2017, and the Perth-based live export company has since lost its licence.

A protest against live exports earlier this year. Source: AAP

In a statement on Wednesday, the West Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said charges had been laid under the state's Animal Welfare Act.

The charges relate to the "unnecessary harm caused or likely to be caused" to the sheep, of which 2400 died during the journey.

It comes after an 18-month investigation by compliance officers within the department.

The case will be heard in court at a later date.