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The future of more than 15,000 sheep and cattle remains in limbo after the federal regulator blocked a bid to send them to Israel via a lengthy journey around Africa.
The MV Bahijah set sail for the Middle East from Western Australia on January 5 but turned back due to the ongoing Yemen Houthi rebels attacks in the Red Sea.
The Marshall Islands-flagged carrier has been back in Australian waters since late last month but essentially stranded as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry seeks to balance Australia's biosecurity and the animals' wellbeing.
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A few hundred healthy animals have been unloaded and quarantined on the mainland and a "low number" have died aboard but there are "no significant health or welfare concerns", the department says.
Tonight, the department regulator rejected an application by the ship's Israel-based Bassem Dabbah to re-export the animals on a much longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
It said it couldn't be satisfied the arrangements would ensure the animals' health and welfare, nor that other specific importing and exporting requirements had or would be complied with.
"The livestock on the vessel continue to be in good health and they remain under veterinary care and supervision. There is no suspicion of exotic pests or diseases within the livestock," the regulator said.
"The next steps for the livestock onboard the vessel are commercial decisions for the exporter to make.
"A range of options remain available to the exporter, and the department stands ready to assess any future application submitted by the exporter.
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"Now that the regulatory decision has been made, my department supports a resolution to this matter as quickly as possible and stands ready to respond to any further requests from the commercial exporter."
An earlier request to divert around the cape while the ship was still at sea was also rejected.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt echoed calls for a speedy resolution and flagged possible slaughtering locally.
"I encourage members of the WA meat processing supply chain to assist with the handling of these animals, which are prime Australian produce," he said.
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"I know that all Australians expect a swift outcome that complies with Australia's strict biosecurity protocols and maintains strong animal welfare standards."
The live export trade is controversial because of the conditions the animals experience on board.
The Albanese government has previously said it wants to phase out live sheep exports but not in this term of government.
The latest saga has sparked fresh calls by activists for a timeline to be put on the move.
Animals Australia described today's decision as "not a 'win' but a reprieve".
The Red Sea crisis has been ongoing for weeks as Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels attack commercial vessels in what they say is retaliation against Israel for its military campaign in Gaza.
