Introduction - model codes of practice for the welfare of animals

The codes are prepared by the Animal Welfare Working Group (AWWG) of the Animal Health Committee of the Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC).

Membership of AWWG comprises representatives from state and Australian Government departments with responsibility for agriculture and/or animal welfare, CSIRO, and other relevant committees within the PISC system. Extensive consultation takes place with industry and other animal welfare groups during the development of the codes.

The final draft of each code is forwarded for endorsement by the state, Australian and New Zealand ministers for primary industry or agriculture, meeting as the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC).

The codes are scrutinised by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Committee on Animal Welfare in consultation with appropriate special interest groups and individuals. In the absence of areas of disagreement or dissent, they are then formally adopted by the AVA’s Policy Council.

The model codes of practice that have been endorsed by PIMC and supported by the AVA refer to: 

• the pig
• the domestic fowl
• the goat
• the sheep
• cattle
• farming of deer
• road transport of livestock
• rail transport of livestock
• air transport of livestock
• livestock and poultry at slaughtering establishments
• sea transport of livestock
• saleyards
• intensive husbandry of rabbits
• destruction or capture, handling and marketing of feral livestock animals

These codes are available from CSIRO Publishing.[1]

Date of ratification by AVA Board: 1 Jan 1997

[1] www.publish.csiro.au/nid/22/sid/11.htm