Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines
Nationally consistent standards and guidelines for the welfare of livestock are being developed cooperatively by government and livestock industries. The welfare standards and guidelines are based on the revision of the current Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals.
The welfare standards and guidelines for livestock aim to streamline livestock welfare legislation in Australia, ensuring that it is both practical for industry and results in improved animal welfare outcomes.
Australian producers have always been aware of their responsibilities for livestock welfare. Increasing awareness among consumers, however, is placing significant pressure on our livestock industries to improve animal welfare. The development of national welfare standards and guidelines underpins access to overseas markets and reinforces Australia's international leadership in livestock welfare. Without such change Australia risks losing consumer confidence and significant national and international markets.
What are animal welfare standards and guidelines?
Standards
Standards are the legal requirements for livestock welfare and use the word ‘must’. The standards will provide the basis for developing and implementing consistent legislation and enforcement across Australia.
The main decision-making principles used for developing the Standards are to ensure they are:
- desirable for livestock welfare
- feasible for industry and government to implement
- important for the livestock-welfare regulatory framework
- achievable and can meet the intended outcome for livestock welfare.
The ‘Standards’ (capital ‘S’) refers to the whole Standards and Guidelines document by name, while the individual ‘standards’ (small ‘s’) detail the requirements of livestock management (practices and tasks) within each Standards document.
Guidelines
Guidelines are recommended practices to achieve desirable livestock welfare outcomes. Guidelines will use the word 'should' and are designed to complement the standards. Non-compliance with one or more guidelines will not constitute an offence under law.
What is the process to develop and implement Standards?
Developing standards
The development process for the standards and guidelines is transparent and inclusive. Relevant scientific literature, current practice and community expectations are utilised to support an evidence-based approach.
The process involves representatives from livestock industry sectors, animal welfare and research organisations, relevant state and territory government agencies, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and other stakeholders.
The process includes a public consultation stage which provides an opportunity for all members of the public to comment on the draft standards and guidelines before they are finalised. Then, only after significant consultation and liaison, will the standards and guidelines progress for endorsement by the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and implementation by the states and territories.
Implementation standards into legislation
Under Australia's constitutional arrangements, state and territory governments are responsible for animal welfare arrangements within their jurisdictions. Once the new Standards are endorsed, the next step is for state jurisdictions to integrate them into legislation.
About the Livestock Management Act 2010
Standards and guidelines for land transport of livestock and pig welfare are currently prescribed under the Victorian Livestock Management Act 2010. Offences, penalties and infringements for failure to comply with specific standards apply.
Further information
- The Livestock Management Act page contains more information about the Act, biosecurity framework and frequently asked questions.
- The Standards and Guidelines Land Transport of Livestock page provides information about the legal requirements for transporting livestock.
- The Standards and Guidelines for the Welfare of Pigs page provides more information about the legal requirements to ensure the welfare of pigs.
- The Poultry Welfare Standards page provides information about new requirements from early 2026 for the care and management of all types of poultry.
Further information about standards that are endorsed and in development are on the on the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines page on the Australian Government’s Agriculture website.