Live exports regulator cries while describing conditions that led to 2,400 sheep deaths

The assistant secretary of the agriculture department, Narelle Clegg, breaks down while describing 'dreadful' footage

The assistant secretary of the agriculture department, Narelle Clegg, broke down during a Senate estimates hearing while describing the conditions on a live export ship that led to the deaths of 2,400 sheep.

The sheep began to die on day 15 of a voyage in August to the Middle East on the Awassi Express after a sudden surge in temperatures, Clegg said. There were 900 sheep deaths in one day and hundreds more in the days that followed. Distressing footage of the conditions on board the ship were released in April.