Improved animal welfare standards for the Western Australian Saleyards Industry, launched today by Agriculture Minister Kim Chance, will allow the industry to better communicate a code of practice in saleyards.
“The Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) continues to work closely with the livestock industry and producers regarding animal welfare best practice,” Mr Chance said.
“WAMIA has worked with industry to develop these improved standards, which will see best practice animal welfare management in saleyards.”
WA is the first Australian jurisdiction to provide a voluntary code of practice for animal welfare management in a whole-of-supply chain approach. The standards provide a vital link for quality assurance between saleyards, livestock transport and processing sectors.
“I commend all the participants in their efforts,” the Minister said.
Faced with increasing community concerns about animal welfare, some markets and customers of the livestock industries now require suppliers to provide information about animal welfare and management practices.
The Animal Welfare Standards for Western Australian Saleyards have been developed in recognition that:
· animal welfare is an issue that engages the broader community;
· contentious welfare standards are being increasingly discussed in the public domain; and
· public attitudes have the potential to influence animal welfare standards and practices now and in the future.
The standards cover animal welfare requirements as they pertain to planning and contingencies, facilities and equipment, staff competency and training, management of livestock and humane destruction within the industry.
One example where the improved standards will be particularly valuable is in the provision of water to livestock.
“This standard will ensure that livestock, which may already have been transported significant distances, in excess of 36 hours, have access to water in the saleyards,” Mr Chance said.
Animal Welfare Standards for the Western Australian Saleyard Industry were funded by the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and developed with the meat and livestock industry.
These standards are the sixth of a series commencing in 2001 with poultry, 2003 with pork, 2004 with dairy, 2005 with processing and 2007 with transport of livestock. The project links to the documentation already developed and launched for the processing sector, and the National Animal Welfare Standards at Livestock Processing Establishments (implemented), and Transport Standards (currently out for comment).
The Minister jointly launched the improved standards with Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke at the Midland Saleyards this morning.
Minister's office - 9213 6700 
