Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership

Australian Government response to mistreatment of Australian cattle in Indonesian abattoirs

The Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership is designed to further improve animal welfare in and support trade with overseas markets. The Australian Government announced the $3.2 million Partnership in the 2009-10 Budget and is investing $1.6 million over three years, with matching support from Australian producers and livestock exporters.

The Partnership’s objectives are to:

  • support projects which enable better animal welfare outcomes in the handling, transport and processing of live animals in importing countries
  • support importing countries to adopt and implement World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) animal welfare standards
  • provide other assistance as appropriate to advance the bilateral agricultural relationship with importing countries with regard to the trade in livestock.

The Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership builds on the Live Animal Trade Program, which funded a range of improvements including better infrastructure to reduce livestock stress or injury, and training for feedlot, abattoir and transport staff in overseas markets.

Funding under the Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership program is available annually through competitive funding rounds. The Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership Project Advisory Committee is responsible for recommending projects for funding under the Partnership to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Projects supported in 2009-10

In 2009–10, three projects were supported to deliver animal welfare improvements in Indonesia, the Middle East and Malaysia. The Australian Government and industry invested close to $1 million in the projects, which focused on enabling better animal welfare outcomes in the handling, transport and processing of live animals.

Indonesian point of slaughter improvements — $300 000

This project sought to improve animal welfare at the point of slaughter by funding the construction and maintenance of infrastructure, providing animal handlers with training in standard operating procedures, and conducting an independent assessment of the effectiveness of past projects delivered in South East Asia.

Middle East livestock slaughter and handling improvements — $590 000

This project sought to improve cattle and sheep handling practices and point of slaughter welfare outcomes through infrastructure improvements in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It also provided animal handler training from ship discharge through to trucking, unloading and handling at feedlots and abattoirs.

Malaysian point of arrival and slaughter improvements for Australian goats — $100 000

This project sought to improve the welfare of goats in Malaysia through the design and installation of discharge ramps at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It also involved upgrading a slaughter facility and training staff in animal handling and slaughter techniques.

Animal welfare improvements delivered in 2009-10

Indonesia

Improved infrastructure at abattoirs

Animal welfare conditions for livestock processed in Indonesia were improved through the construction and maintenance of infrastructure at the point of slaughter.

Improved handling practices by local workers

Abattoir workers were trained in animal handling techniques from arrival through to procedures for restraining and slaughtering animals that aim to improve animal welfare. Observed benefits to animal welfare resulting from the training included the use of smaller ropes and the application of less pressure leading to less stress for animals, and an improved understanding of best practice for carcass bleeding and the importance of maintenance of tools for slaughter.

Middle East

Improved infrastructure at abattoirs

In Kuwait, infrastructure improvements were delivered in two abattoirs, and included the construction of yards, races, ramps and tables. For cattle, two locations were assessed as requiring significant improvements which are on track to be delivered in 2010–11.

In Qatar, improvements were made to a facility in Doha which processes most of the Australian sheep and cattle exported to Qatar. For sheep, the lairage, yards and races were improved and a new infrastructure installed. The improvements for cattle facilities are on track to be delivered in 2010–11.

In Bahrain, infrastructure has been updated at an abattoir to improve the handling of animals prior to slaughter.

Improved handling practices by local workers

The project delivered targeted training and accreditation to animal handlers in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai in the areas of port discharge, feedlot receival, land transportation, ruminant nutrition, abattoir development and animal welfare training and awareness. The training promoted practices that reduce animal stress combined with better knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to poor handling techniques.

Malaysia

Improved infrastructure at the point of arrival for goats

The project delivered improvements at Kuala Lumpur International Airport that allow more efficient discharge of goats from export crates to holding yards and onto trucks, which reduces animal stress. Improvements included upgrades to holding areas, installation of feed and water facilities in holding pens and installation of a fixed and portable loading ramp. Training in animal handling practices was also delivered to improve animal welfare outcomes.

Improved infrastructure at the abattoir

The project delivered infrastructure improvements at the largest abattoir in Kuala Lumpur to address animal welfare issues. The improvements targeted the lairage facilities, laneways and a slaughter table at the abattoir. Training on how to use the new equipment to ensure improved animal welfare outcomes was provided to local workers.

2009-10 project reports

Final reports on projects delivered under the 2009-10 round of the Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership:

Projects supported in 2010-11

The 2010-11 funding round closed on 15 March 2010. Four projects have been supported to deliver animal welfare improvements in South-East Asia and the Middle East.

Indonesian point of slaughter improvements — $250 000

This project aims to improve post-arrival animal welfare for cattle by upgrading and maintaining abattoir infrastructure in Indonesia. Training programs for local staff on best-practice handling and slaughter techniques for cattle will also be provided. This project builds on activities delivered under 2009–10 funding.

Middle East and North Africa point of slaughter improvements — $665 000

This project aims to improve post-arrival animal welfare for cattle and sheep by upgrading abattoir infrastructure in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Training programs for local staff on best-practice handling and slaughter techniques will also be provided. This project builds on activities delivered under 2009–10 funding.

Jordan slaughterhouse improvements —$140 000

This project aims to improve post-arrival animal welfare for cattle and sheep by upgrading abattoir infrastructure in Jordan, together with training for local staff on best-practice handling and slaughter techniques.

Regional Animal Welfare Strategy in Asia, the Far East and Oceania — $38 000

This project aims to support World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) member countries in Asia, the Far East and Oceania to promote, adopt and implement OIE animal welfare standards.

How to apply for funding

The Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership program guidelines below provide details on how to apply for funding. Please use the project application form and submit applications to the Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership Project Advisory Committee Secretariat as outlined in the guidelines.

For further information please email or telephone + 61 2 6272 3933.

Standard funding agreements

Standard funding agreements below are indicative of the legal obligations of successful applicants. For information only.

Contact Details

For details on how to submit a project application for funding, refer to the program guidelines.

For further information please email or telephone + 61 2 6272 3933.

Last reviewed:
15 Jul 2011
Contact:
Email Trade and Market Access Division
About Trade and Market Access Division and Contact details
Media Inquiries