The Animal Welfare Policy in Australia is a joint initiative taken by governments, community, and the industry to guide the development of new and nationally consistent policies that will help to improve animal welfare arrangements in all Australian states and territories. The development process for the Australian Welfare Standards & Guidelines for Sheep is funded and supported by all Governments and sheep industries.
Based on current scientific knowledge, community expectations, and recommended industry practice, the standards offer a basis for developing, implementing and enforcing consistent legislation across Australia, and provide a guideline to all people, who are responsible for sheep. Agreed by industry and governments, the development of these standards is part of a comprehensive program that aims to develop standards and guidelines for all commercial livestock species and at all points along the production supply chain.
The standard and guidelines replace the following model code of practice:
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Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - The Sheep, PISC/SCARM Report Series 89, CSIRO Publishing, 1991 (revised 2006)
The preparation of these standards represents a significant investment by all parties, along with the members of the writing and reference groups. The Animal Health Australia gratefully acknowledges their efforts.
