• Other Related South Australian Legislation
• Federal Legislation
• Legislation in Other Jurisdictions
• Codes of Practice

 PDFs on this site open a   new browser window.

Home : Legislation : Codes of Practice

Codes of Practice

The Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals have been prepared by the Animal Welfare Working Group (AWWG) established under the Animal Health Committee (AHC). The AHC comprises of the Chief Veterinary Officers of each jurisdiction.  It, in turn reports to the Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC), which comprises the Chief Executive Officers of the agricultural departments and reports to the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC), the peak agricultural committee in Australia.

The Model Codes of Practice are published by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Extensive consultation takes place with industry and animal welfare groups in the development of the Codes. The Model Codes of Practice are revised periodically to take into account advances in the understanding of animal physiology and behavioural technology changes in animal husbandry and their relationship to the welfare of animals.

The Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals are intended as guides to stock handlers including truck drivers, livestock agency staff, stock inspectors, producers, saleyard managers and their staff in the management of animals. The Codes aim to minimise animal stress by encouraging efficient and considerate treatment and handling. They include aspects of unloading, pre- and post- sale handling, the provision of feed, water, shelter and general care of animals. Recommendations are also given for the care, treatment and humane emergency euthanasia of animals.

In South Australia, Model Codes of Practice are regulated, making compliance with their requirements mandatory. Such compliance also provides a defence to a charge of ill-treatment. South Australia is the only Australian jurisdiction which gives the Model Codes the force of law.

The Neumann Report

Changing public attitudes to livestock management practices present a challenge to livestock producers to improve their animal welfare management. Good livestock welfare standards are consistent with good production outcomes. If livestock welfare standards are below community expectations or there are negative perceptions about the standards of animal welfare there is often an impact on market access. The development of national standards for livestock welfare and the production of Animal Welfare Codes have been examined in the Review of the Australian Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Neumann Report in 2005 .