West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has threatened to ramp up action against the live animal export trade, saying he is open to using state law to block livestock carriers breaching animal welfare standards from leaving the state's ports.

The industry is already in defensive mode after footage emerged showing some of the almost 2,400 sheep who died of heat stress aboard the Awassi Express in the Middle East in August last year.

That ship is currently still blocked in Fremantle port as it undergoes upgrades to its ventilation system to meet requirements by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

But on Wednesday another ship, the MV Maysora, left the same port for Turkey despite concerns by inspectors from the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

They reported to WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan they had seen sheep on board being crushed and some water troughs were emptied or full of faeces, before even leaving for its destination in Turkey.

Livestock Shipping Services has comprehensively rejected any suggestion conditions were inadequate for the sheep in its consignment on the Maysora.

Managing director Ahmad Ghosheh said he was on board when WA inspectors examined the ship and their questions "were answered to the apparent satisfaction of the inspectors in the context of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock" (ASEL).

"For example, where it was noted that some water troughs in newly loaded pens were empty, it was explained that ASEL requires that water must be provided to sheep within 12 hours of loading," Mr Ghosheh said.

"Similarly, when faeces were observed in some water troughs, it was explained that troughs are regularly cleaned by the 35 livestock crew members in accordance with regulatory requirements.

But Mr McGowan said the State Government could take action if there were breaches of the WA Animal Welfare Act.

"I'd be open to it if we got the right legal advice," he said.

"So we're not saying close the industry down, but what we are saying at this point is if there are examples like we saw recently, well then we'll use state law if we can to try and arrest and fix the problem we're facing."

The Department of Agriculture said it received reports about MV Maysora from WA inspectors on Friday.

In a statement, a spokesperson said all issues raised had been investigated by an Australian Accredited Veterinarian, an accredited stockman and an independent vet, who were on board the vessel.

"The majority of issues identified by WA inspectors were witnessed at the time a large volume of animals were being loaded onto the vessel for departure and do not reflect the conditions maintained on the voyage," the statement read.

"The department has confirmed that the health and welfare of animals on board is being maintained in accordance with the required Australian standards."



Ms MacTiernan called for a ban on live exports in the northern hemisphere summer, when most livestock deaths occur.

Mr McGowan said the industry was in trouble.