Animal welfare legislation – codes of practice and standards
Animal Health Australia does not have any regulatory responsibility for livestock welfare.
The state and territory governments in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) have the principal responsibility for livestock welfare in each of the jurisdictions. The Australian (Federal) Government is responsible for trade and international agreements relating to livestock welfare including live animal exports and export abattoirs.
Animal Health Australia sits on the main body that provides advice on animal welfare matters to the relevant national committees, the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC). AWC oversees the model codes of practice for the welfare of animals. These have had an important role in livestock welfare for the last 20 years.
The model codes of practice suggest acceptable livestock welfare outcomes. These codes are not mandatory but they are used in various ways under the respective state and territory Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Acts.
Under the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) 2004, it was proposed that the existing model codes of practice be revised into a new format, to incorporate both national welfare standards and industry recommended guidelines for each species or enterprise.
AAWS standards review project
Animal Health Australia, in liaison with the AWC, livestock industries and welfare organisations is working towards the development of national livestock welfare standards and guidelines. These standards and guidelines will provide a basis for achieving livestock welfare outcomes, through regulation and industry quality assurance activities, to meet community and international expectations and reflect Australia's position as a leader in modern, sustainable and scientifically-based welfare practice.
As part of its coordination role, AHA, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed a business plan for the development of standards and guidelines.
Information about the development of the new standards and guidelines, including working drafts and a history of the projects, can be found at www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au.
Links
The model codes of practice for the welfare of livestock are published by CSIRO publishing.
Further information on the code review process is available at: http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/nccaw/codes
All states and territories maintain websites on animal welfare, they can be found at: http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/links/state.
Further general information can be found on the DAFF Website http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare
Page updated: 5 February 2010