Hundreds of people have rallied in South Australia, protesting against live exporting.
It comes as sheep exports from Adelaide to the Middle East could resume next month.
The last shipment was almost a year ago.
RSPCA's welfare advocate Rebekah Eyers said it was unclear if a ship would arrive next month but would not be illegal if so.
Sheep cannot be exported between June and August, based on a heat stress risk assessment conducted by the Department of Agriculture.
"According to its own reports, heat stress is inevitable from May to October," Dr Eyre said.
"The federal government has a responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of animals sent on those ships is maintained."
RSPCA SA wants the country to lead and transition into chilled and frozen sheep meat products.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said it was an opportunity for Australians to raise their concerns before the election.
"Politicians have had long enough to hear the public's concerns," she said.
"There has been a growing concern amongst the parliament but a failure to get it done.
"If you want to ban live exports, you have to back parties and candidates that want it banned."
Ms Hanson-Young said a transition package needs to be backed by the government.
"Not only is this current trade horrific for the animals but it is very poor for the job figures it creates."
If elected, Labor has pledged to ban live sheep exports and phase out the industry in five years.
The pressure to end live exports was sparked after footage aired on national television in April last year.
