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