Horses
The ‘Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Horses’ are part of a series of projects to develop livestock welfare standards and guidelines.
The Standards and Guidelines for Horses have been developed from the ‘States and Territories Practice for the Welfare of Horses’ and will apply to all people responsible for the care and management of Horses.
‘The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Horses’ will follow the principles described in the revised Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines Development Business Plan.
It is also intended that a standards and guidelines for horse’s project would adopt the following proposed committee structure, including a small writing group and a larger reference group.
The Horse Writing Group
The members are as follows:
- Independent Chair
- Australian Government representative
- Animal Welfare Committee representative
- Industry members as relevant by sector
- Relevant independent science representation
- Invited consultants.
- Animal Health Australia Livestock Welfare Manager and Project Officer
Terms of reference:
1. Draft the standards and guidelines in accordance with the views of the relevant Reference Group and the principles set out in the Animal Health Australia Standards and Guidelines Development Plan.
2. Keep relevant records of comments received and amendments made.
3. Consult as necessary to ensure that appropriate solutions are developed.
The Horse Reference Group
The members are as follows:
- Independent Chair (same Chair as Writing Group if possible)
- Australian Government representative
- Animal Welfare Committee or delegates
- Whole-of-chain industry members
- Equine research organisations
- RSPCA Australia
- Animals Australia
- Australian Veterinary Association
- Relevant independent science representation
- Invited consultants.
- Animal Health Australia Livestock Welfare Manager and Project Officer
Terms of reference:
1. Endorse project plan.
2. Provide expert advice and review drafts.
3. Communicate and consult with membership.
4. Support final documentation prior to government endorsement.
Progress report
Horse Standards and Guidelines Update
The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) has developed the standards and guidelines for horses to an early stage. Further development will be necessary before public consultation.
