The Australian Animal Welfare Standards for the Land Transport of Livestock
Are being implemented in every state and territory
This short film will help you understand What's required in order to comply with them
The film covers those standards which relate to
Handling livestock correctly during the transport process
The Dos and the Don'ts
The use of electric prodders
And the minimum requirements for livestock vehicles and facilities
That means yards, ramps and raceways
Codes of Practice help us to determine what should be done
To ensure good animal welfare outcomes
Standards are written into your state legislation as a MUST
And are enforceable by law
The standards are relevant for anyone who is
Mustering Or processing livestock in yards prior to transport
Loading them onto vehicles and transporting them
Or receiving them at a destination
Everybody is required to be competent to do their job And handle animals correctly
We are now going to look at some standards Which apply to handling animals during transport
The standards make it mandatory That the vehicles and facilities that we use
Are built, maintained and used in a way That minimises the risk to livestock
So, the vehicle or facilities that you use Must be appropriate to contain the species
Here, a horse is being loaded into a purpose-built truck No Problems!
But what if you tried to process cattle in these yards?
If the animals can't be contained properly Then alternative arrangements must be made
When considering the vehicle there must also be enough vertical clearance to minimise the risk of injury
Check the standards and guidelines
As some species have spefic requirements Such as horses and camels for vertical clearance
Flooring must minimise the likelihood of injury
Such as this break in the flooring of the truck Which poses a danger if the animals got their feet stuck
Flooring must also minimise the likelihood of Slipping or falling
Such as the smooth concrete here where some sheep slip on contact
As opposed to this surface Where cattle are unloaded and don't slip
If you're using yards or vehicles Where livestock regularly slip or fall
Consider ways in which you could modify the flooring Such as putting down wood shavings or replacing flooring materials
Vehicles and handling facilities must be free From internal protrusions and objects that could cause injury
Any risks to livestock from things they come in contact with
From this gap in the side gates which allows the sheep's legs To slip through
To this jagged piece of metal in the sheep crate Which could injure sheep are not permitted
Careful inspection of vehicles, ramps and yards
Prior to preparing animals for transport Should identify potential hazards
Good maintenance on all yards regardless of their age Is important
Remember, putting animals at risk while failing To manage vehicles or facilities
Is a breach of these standards And penalties may apply
It's the driver's responsibility to make sure That the vehicle is backed up to the ramp properly
So as the gap is narrow enough that livestock Will not slip down it
Or get their feet caught during loading or unloading
The standards state that animals must be handled In a way that minimises pain or injury
There are some specific actions which are now prohibited
With the exception of poultry you must not lift livestock only by the head, ears, horns, neck, tail, wool, hair or feathers
Adult livestock must not be lifted by a single leg
And no animal can be thrown or dropped
Livestock must not be struck in an unreasonable manner Or punched or kicked
The use of the electric prodder Is strictly governed by these standards
It is prohibited to use the prodder at all On Alpaca, Horses, Emu or Ostrich
All other animals have restrictions for the use of the prodder
Prodders may not be applied to the Genital, anal or facial areas of any animal
They may not be used on any animal under 3 months old
Or on any animal which is unable to move away
Or excessively on any animal
Additional restrictions apply to the use of the prodder on Buffalo, Camel, Deer, Goats and Pigs
Check the standards to see what is and is not Permitted when using a prodder for these species
So, how can you make sure that you comply with the standards And handle livestock correctly?
Firstly, ensure that everyone who handles Livestock during the transport process
Is familiar with the requirements of these standards
Secondly, Training and developing skills So that livestock are handled appropriately
Is well worth considering to ensure good animal welfare outcomes
Thirdly, make sure your facilities and vehicles are appropriate To the species you are handling and well maintained
For more help and advice on the standards relating to handling livestock See www.livestockwelfarestandards.net.au
Or contact your state or territory regulator for animal welfare