Animal welfare in WA - Regulatory frameworks for sheep and cattle

In 2008, the sheep and beef cattle industries were the largest animal industries in Western Australia. Although both industries have shrunk in recent years (noticeably during the COVID-19 pandemic), they continue to be some of Western Australia's largest both domestically and in international markets through live animal exports. With such size and public expectations inevitably comes increased government regulation and the livestock animal industry is no exception. For WA sheep and cattle farmers, having a strong understanding of such regulatory frameworks is essential.

That is not to say that WA farmers are not used to working with the animal welfare laws governing their industry - industry stakeholders are heavily involved in the consultation process when devising new laws, regulations, and standards and guidelines relating to the livestock animal industry. But that close relationship does not mean that the various legislative and regulatory instruments, and how