Animal Welfare
For the latest information on live animal exports, visit www.liveexports.gov.au.
Important notice: As of 27 April 2011 the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.3) will apply.
Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.2) will no longer apply.
Please note: The National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) has been disbanded and replaced by the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS)
Current Topics
Animal welfare encompasses all aspects of animal health and well-being. Australia's animal welfare strategies involve:
- government and non-government organisations
- veterinary and community groups
- animal industries
- animal welfare groups, and
- individual animal owners and handlers.
Australia’s state and territory governments have primary responsibility for animal welfare and laws to prevent cruelty. The Australian (Federal) Government is responsible for trade and international agreements relating to animal welfare.
Animal Welfare in Australia
- Legislation •
- Roles and Responsibilities •
- Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (Model Codes of Practice) •
- Animal Welfare Committee •
- National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) •
- Animal welfare for kids!
Live Animal Exports
- Live Animal Export Trade •
- Australian Position Statement on the Export of Livestock • Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock Version 2.3
International Animal Welfare
- Regional Animal Welfare Strategy for Asia, the Far East and Oceania •
- OIE Welfare Guidelines •
- Welfare Quality (European Union) •
- World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS)
- View and learn about the AAWS •
- AAWS Progression and Implementation •
- Stocktake of animal welfare arrangements for each animal sector •
- International Animal Welfare Conference •
- Animal Welfare Science Summit - Pain & Pain Management
Publications & Reports
Contact Us
Animal Welfare Branch
Agricultural Productivity Division
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Email the Animal Welfare Branch