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Under the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), Animal Health Australia (AHA) has been commissioned to facilitate the development of nationally consistent livestock welfare standards and guidelines based on the revision of the current Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals. The AAWS was developed to provide national and international communities with an appreciation of animal welfare arrangements in Australia and to outline future directions for improvements in animal welfare. Under the Australian federal system, state and territory governments are responsible for the regulation of animal welfare in Australia through the application of state-based 'prevention of cruelty to animals' legislation. One of the key objectives of the AAWS is to facilitate consistency of legislation across states and territories for improved and sustainable animal welfare outcomes. The AAWS recognises the strong connections between animal welfare, animal health and production and also the importance of engaging all stakeholders. The standards and guidelines development process incorporates stakeholders including relevant state and territory government agencies, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), representatives from livestock industry sectors, as well as animal welfare and research organisations to ensure the nationally consistent legislation is practical for industry and also results in improved livestock welfare outcomes. |
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