Western Australian poultry stakeholders and the community are encouraged to comment on proposed new regulations to enhance animal welfare outcomes.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released Stage 1 of the Animal Welfare (Poultry) Regulations for comment.
It follows endorsement of the Poultry Standards by all Agriculture Ministers in 2023, along with an agreement to implement the standards in each state and territory.
The Poultry Standards are one of a suite of Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines that are intended to form the basis of nationally consistent animal welfare regulations to provide certainty to industry, animal welfare organisations, the community and trading partners.
DPIRD Chief Veterinary Officer Michelle Rodan said the department was consulting with industry and key stakeholders throughout the drafting and implementation of the regulations.
“We encourage stakeholders to view the consultation paper, the draft Poultry Regulations and frequently asked questions online at the DPIRD YourSay site,” Dr Rodan said.
“The Poultry Regulations are being development in two stages to support implementation of the standards in Western Australia.”
Stage 1 of the Poultry Regulations include the implementation of:
- the standards applying to phasing out of conventional layer hen cages,
- the standards required to be met by 1 July 2025 for all poultry reared, bred or kept in captivity,
- the requirement for the provision of water for breeder ducks.
“Given the Poultry Standards are nationally agreed, this consultation will consider feedback on how accurately the Stage 1 regulations reflect and are able to implement the intended policy outcomes of the standards,” Dr Rodan said.
See DPIRD’s engagement website yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au to read the consultation paper, the draft regulations and to make a submission.
Submissions close on Sunday 20 October 2024 at 5pm.
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