The Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce has completed its final report to the Tasmanian Government.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to improving animal welfare in the State’s livestock processing facilities.
“The Tasmanian Government accepts all the recommendations within the report, fully supporting 11 of these recommendations and one in principle,” Minister Howlett said.
“Adoption of these recommendations will improve the humane treatment of animals in our processing facilities and supply chain.
“The Taskforce recommends that the guidelines on animal welfare, including mandatory video monitoring in Tasmanian abattoirs, be implemented under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 within two years.
“The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) will progress the necessary regulatory changes within the timeframe proposed by the Taskforce.
“Other recommendations relate to development of supporting information for industry, stakeholder communication and collaboration, and monitoring, which will also be implemented by NRE Tas.
“In the interim, video surveillance remains mandatory under instruction from the Chief Veterinary Officer under the Animal Welfare Act 1993.
Taskforce Chair Felicity Richards thanked those who had contributed to the Taskforce’s inquiries.
“I am deeply grateful to the Taskforce members and representatives of the Tasmanian processing industry, whose expertise shaped these Guidelines and the recommendations in the strategic implementation plan,” Ms Richards said.
“Animal welfare is critically important in agriculture and it is the hope of the Taskforce that its work will support everyone involved in animal handling, from paddock to processing, in holding ourselves to the best standard of animal welfare we can achieve.”
Minister Howlett said boosting animal welfare was part of the Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and she thanked the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce for their work to improve animal welfare practices in Tasmania.
