Perth-based Emanuel Exports has announced it will vigorously defend in court cruelty charges brought by the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The prosecution notice from DPIRD is in relation to alleged offences under WA's Animal Welfare Act.
The matter will go to court on a date to be determined.
The company said it would defend the matter in court but would make no further media comment, pending the outcome of the hearing.
DPIRD has charged the live export company and two of its directors with alleged cruelty.
The charges relate to the harm caused or likely to be caused to sheep due to heat stress on a voyage from Fremantle to the Middle East in August, 2017.
A total of 2400 sheep died throughout the voyage.
The decision follows an 18-month investigation by compliance officers within DPIRD.
The department is responsible for the administration of the Animal Welfare Act and the department's General Inspectors exercise powers under that Act.