Animal welfare is of utmost importance to pig farmers, who share your concerns on the raising and caring of their pigs.

Pigs are protected

by animal welfare legislation in each State as well as covered by the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs, which is currently under review.

Farmers care about their animals. The livelihood of pig farmers is critically dependent on good animal husbandry practices - maintaining the health and welfare standards of their pigs.

As food producers

Australian pig farmers must pay close attention to the welfare needs of their stock if they are to meet Australia’s food quality and safety requirements. Anything short of providing the best, humane case possible would be self-defeating. Animal welfare is therefore a key determinant in the sustainability of their farm business.

The Australian pig industry does not condone animal cruelty in
any form

Australian pork producers fully support the role of legislated authorities, such as the RSPCA, in investigating suspected cases of animal cruelty. It is unfortunate that in the past many of the videos released by animal activists have misrepresented the industry. In New Zealand it has been proven that activists attempted to pass off 20 year old footage from a European piggery as being reflective of local conditions.

There is ongoing debate over minimum standards for sow
housing

and in particular the use of dry sow stalls. Animal welfare standards can only successfully safeguard the welfare of the animals if they are based on sound science not emotion. Change only for the sake of change will not benefit the animal and it may endanger food safety, the health of the animal or the environment.

There is no one ideal system which meets all of the needs of the animal. It is widely agreed by farmers, scientists and animal welfare groups that the single most important factor in addressing the welfare of animals is the husbandry skills of the stockperson or handler.

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