Livestock producers, saleyard owners, managers and community members wanting a say on animal welfare standards and guidelines for saleyards have less than three months to submit feedback in a consultation process.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries Victoria (DEPI) has opened consultation for the proposed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Livestock at Saleyards and Depots (Saleyard Welfare Standards) and associated Regulation Impact Statement (RIS).

Interested parties are invited to comment about how the proposed standards will ensure the welfare of livestock at saleyards and if the associated RIS demonstrates the need for the saleyard welfare standards.

The consultation period and submissions on the proposed Saleyard Welfare Standards and RIS must be received by Friday, December 12, 2014.

A copy of the proposed Saleyard Welfare Standards, RIS and related documents can be found at www.saleyardwelfarestandards.com.au

The purpose of the standards and guidelines is to ensure the welfare of livestock at saleyards and depots. They will also provide the basis for developing and implementing consistent legislation and enforcement across Australia, and guidance for all those responsible for livestock at saleyards, DEPI said.

The final standards and guidelines will apply to all Australian livestock saleyard enterprises and depots for the main commercial livestock species handled: cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep.

It is proposed that the standards and guidelines do not apply to on-farm livestock sales, or markets where no permanent livestock handling facilities exist, however, they should be used for guidance in the management of livestock at on-farm sales and farmers markets, DEPI said.

Areas covered in the proposed standards and guidelines include livestock welfare, transportation, responsibilities and planning, livestock handling knowledge and skills, handling facilities, husbandry, drafting and penning, feed and water, pre-sale livestock inspection, identification and care of weak, sick and injured animals, pre-transport livestock selection and humane killing.

A copy of the proposed Saleyard Welfare Standards, RIS and related documents can be found at www.saleyardwelfarestandards.com.au

The documents available include:

• Proposed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Livestock at Saleyards and Depots (55 pages pdf 1.4 MB pdf)
• Saleyard Welfare Standards Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (151 pages pdf 4.3 MB)
• Guide to the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement for the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Livestock at Saleyards and Depots including a list of the RIS questions (6 pages pdf, 60 KB)
• Submission form (Microsoft Word form, 4 pages 45 KB)
• Discussion Paper on the individual proposed standards (26 pages pdf 250 KB)

Source: DEPI, http://www.saleyardwelfarestandards.com.au/