Review of Model Codes
Review of the Australian Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals 
PDF [1.4mb] (Neumann Report)
Report to NCCAW36 in September 2005 of the Animal Health Australia (AHA) Future Regulation and Management of Welfare Workshop
The following principles arose from the Future Regulation and Management of Welfare Workshop held 2 July 2005. The principles provide the parameters for consideration of the development and review of minimum standards or codes of animal welfare practice.
Any approach to the future regulation and management should provide:
- A strong national framework for the development of 'minimum standards' with species specific definitions of animal welfare that are underpinned by legislation. Minimum standards should be outcome-based and measurable. Preference for a format that provides for both minimum standards and 'best practice' guidelines to be clearly separated but contained in the same document.
- An efficient, agreed process for developing and maintaining minimum standards and best practice guidelines.
- Consistency across state and territory jurisdictions in the application (enforcement) of legislation.
- An industry-government partnership to make decisions.
- Broad consultation with all stakeholders, especially end users.
- A process for evaluating Standards through a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS).
- Standards must be auditable for credibility and international acceptance.
- An outcome focus responsive to verified drivers and needs.
- Science based inputs to be a critical element in the development of standards.
- Effective communication to all stakeholders.
- Process of standard development and review to be adequately resourced.
- Consideration to be given to examining the inclusion of animal welfare standards and codes in legislation that addresses animal management and biosecurity of production animals rather than 'cruelty' based legislation.
Last reviewed: 13 Apr 2007
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