The Tasmanian Government continues to ensure the highest standard of animal welfare is achieved across Tasmania's livestock processing industry.
The Livestock Processing Taskforce has now developed new Tasmanian guidelines and a strategy to achieve strong animal welfare practices that meet the expectations of the community.
The guidelines follow the introduction of mandatory video monitoring in livestock processing facilities which came into effect on June 30.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, provided the update on the Taskforce which has been meeting regularly and last week met with members of the Reference Group, including abattoir operators, to finalise the draft Livestock Processing Guidelines.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, the Tasmanian Government is taking action to boost animal welfare," Minister Howlett said.
"The Taskforce's focus is to ensure that the Guidelines are practical for the variety of operators and mixed species operations (sheep, pigs and cattle).
"Priority areas to successfully implement the strategy will target awareness raising, education, collaboration and compliance, with a focus on the whole supply chain.
"The workshop resulted in valuable feedback and strategies for encouraging their uptake across the industry."
Tasmania's Chief Veterinary Officer, and an independently-recognised world expert on benchmark practices have also provided input into the Guidelines to ensure best practice animal welfare outcomes.
The draft Guidelines and Implementation Strategy will now be presented to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee which will provide recommendations to the Minister.
The Guidelines and Implementation Strategy will be made available to the public and tested in-practice before further review and ultimately being enshrined in the Animal Welfare Regulations 2013.
