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Disposal of unwanted livestock
NCCAW Position Statement
Farm animals may become unwanted, unsaleable or commercially invaluable for reasons such as:
- drought, economic downturn in either a particular, or all livestock industries
- circumstances relating to individual property management.
In any of these situations, animals must be treated, handled or disposed humanely.
NCCAW's Position
- Old, diseased, weak and unwanted animals should be slaughtered humanely, preferably on-farm and by an experienced operator.
- Only fit animals should be transported to abattoirs or communal slaughter sites, and only when there is assurance that the animal will be killed humanely on arrival.
- Only fit animals should be transported to saleyards, and only when there is a reasonable chance of them being sold.
- Plans and guidelines should be available to farmer associations, local government and shire authorities on the construction, management and operation of animal slaughter sites and burial pits.
- The feasibility of turning unwanted animal carcases into products such as fertiliser should be examined.
- It is an act of cruelty to release, dump or abandon any farm livestock to fend for themselves.
- Under no circumstances should animals be left on properties to starve to death, or die of thirst.
- Unwanted farm animals should never be left without food or water at saleyards, rail yards, agistment paddocks or any other assembly point.
- State governments and the RSPCA should provide clear advice to livestock owners about their legal obligations under the relevant prevention of cruelty to animals Acts, and codes of practice for animal welfare.
- RSPCA inspectors and officers from state or territory department of primary industries should monitor properties and saleyards and provide advice on humane slaughter, supplementary feeding and any other relevant information.
- Sound farm planning and management must be encouraged and implemented so that producers are better prepared and can respond to seasonal climatic conditions and changing market forces to prevent overstocking.
- Responsible farm management must give priority to livestock welfare, particularly in times of crisis.
- Local government authorities, farmers’ associations and the RSPCA must provide the framework and support for producers to implement better farm management.
- If a farm is in financial crisis, the stock’s welfare must still be maintained by following the relevant codes of practice and legislation. Its welfare should be negotiated between the producer, financial institution, stock agent, feed merchant, and providers of animal welfare advice.
This Position Statement was first published in April 1998 and was reviewed by NCCAW on 20 February 2008. NCCAW made the decision to retain it without amendment.
Last Updated: 24 Jun 2008
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