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Animal welfare

Background:

Sustainable and ethical farming systems are recognised as a strength for the dairy industry and a strategic priority for Dairy Australia for 2011-15 is to proactively promote and protect dairy’s value and integrity. A key activity for Dairy Australia under this priority is to ensure the integrity of the supply chain meets the needs of local and overseas customers, communities, regulators and trading partners. The dairy industry’s animal welfare practices have the ability to severely impact on the reputation and integrity of the industry if not undertaken responsibly. It is important that not only farmers are aware of and adhere to their responsibilities for sound animal care, but that the public and regulators are made aware of how farmers care for their animals.

Project objective:

To ensure the dairy industry achieves a reputation in animal care that secures, maintains and enhances the future profitability and viability of the Australian dairy industry

Project scope:

This project aims to deliver on the National Dairy Industry Animal Welfare Strategy by ensuring:

  • The government, community and consumers see the Australian dairy industry as a leader in animal welfare
  • The Australian dairy industry is able to trade into markets of choice
  • Australian dairy farmers can continue to work responsibly with animals.


This project will:

  • Develop and implement programs to improve animal welfare performance on-farm for the key animal welfare priority areas including calf management, lameness, tail docking, calving induction and dehorning
  • Continually assess and address industry vulnerabilities and respond to changing community attitudes towards animal husbandry practices
  • Develop communication programs to demonstrate the dairy industry's credentials in animal welfare.

Outcomes/benefits:

The key deliverables outcomes of the project are:

  • Greater public knowledge and confidence in the high standards of animal welfare practiced by the industry
  • Continuous improvement in animal husbandry practices on-farm;
  • Decreased requirement for the industry to be subject to new animal welfare regulatory requirements

More information:

 For more information, please contact Bridget Peachey, Dairy Australia Animal Welfare Manager