The Australian Government is working together with states and territories to develop and implement nationally consistent standards and guidelines for farm animal welfare. The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines update and replace the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, for particular animal industries. The standards are designed to be implemented in state and territory legislation. The standards are accompanied by voluntary guidelines that set out recommended practice for the care and husbandry of animals.
The standards and guidelines are being developed under the direction of the Animal Welfare Task Group (AWTG) a multi-jurisdictional representative group that reports to the Agriculture Senior Officials’ Committee. The development of national animal welfare standards and guidelines through the collaborative mechanism of the AWTG is intended to provide clarity and consistency and facilitate the understanding of animal welfare requirements across industry, the community and trading partners.
The development of standards and guidelines includes a consultative process, and a Regulation Impact Analysis. Once developed, it is up to each state and territory government to implement the standards, as appropriate for their jurisdiction. The guidelines are a useful reference for people responsible for the care and management of animals and may be used in industry quality assurance programs or other initiatives.
Current Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (and Model Codes of Practice)
| Species or category | Current Standards and Guidelines or Model Code of Practice | Status | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land transport of Livestock |
Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock
|
Endorsed – September 2012 | Draft Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Sheep. Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Cattle; Horses; Pigs; Poultry; Rail transport of livestock; Road transport of livestock. |
| Cattle | Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle | Endorsed – January 2016 | Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Cattle, 2004 |
| Sheep | Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep | Endorsed – January 2016 | Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Sheep, 2006 |
| Livestock at saleyards and depots | Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Saleyards and Depots | Endorsed – February 2018 | Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Animals at Saleyards |
| Exhibited Animals (including crocodilians) | Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Exhibited Animals | Endorsed – March 2019 | n/a |
| Poultry | Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (developed by an Independent Poultry Panel) | Endorsed – July 2023 | Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry; Farming of Ostriches; Husbandry of Captive Bred Emus |
| Horses | Review of Horses under the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock | Underway | n/a |
| Pigs | 2008 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Pigs | No current work | n/a |
| Rabbits | 1991 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Intensive Husbandry of Rabbits | No current work | n/a |
| Deer | 1991 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Farming of Deer | No current work | n/a |
| Goat | 1991 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Goat |
No current work Note: Animal Health Australia (AHA) together with the Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) developed the Australian Industry Standards and Guidelines for Goats in 2015. The industry standards and guidelines are voluntary and undergo a review by GICA and AHA annually. |
n/a |
| Buffalo | 1995 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Farmed Buffalo | No current work | n/a |
| Camel | 2006 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Camel | No current work | n/a |
| Feral Animals | 1992 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Feral Livestock Animals | No current work | n/a |
Current Updates
| Industry Sector | Current Standards and Guidelines or Model Code of Practice | Replaces | Proposed review of Standards and Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Transport of Livestock – suitability for Horses | Review of Horses under the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock | n/a | Expected to be completed in 2024 |
| Livestock at Processing Establishments | Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Slaughter Establishments | 2001 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Livestock at Slaughter Establishments | Expected to be completed in 2024 |
Model Codes of Practice
Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines have replaced some of the model codes of practice. For other industries, the model codes remain useful guidance on animal welfare and are legislated in some jurisdictions.