❓ Hon Amanda Dorn questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food regarding animal welfare standards at Boyanup saleyards, specifically concerning compliance and the removal of relevant fact sheets from the DPIRD website. The Minister responds, stating the fact sheets' status and actions taken at Boyanup.
AnsweredQoN 1271Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Boyanup saleyards
1271. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the
minimum animal welfare standards that apply to WA saleyards, including requirements
for access to potable water, adequate shade and shelter, and sufficient space
for animals to rest and lie down.
(1) Why have the "Penning density for sheep
and cattle in saleyards" and the "Responsibilities at saleyards"
fact sheets been removed from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional
Development website?
(2) Why has Boyanup saleyards been permitted to
continue operating for years when reports indicate that it consistently does
not meet these minimum standards?
(3) Will the minister confirm that DPIRD is the
agency with statutory responsibility for enforcing saleyard animal welfare
standards and, if so, what mechanisms exist when a facility repeatedly fails to
comply?
(4) What immediate steps will the minister take to
ensure compliance at Boyanup before temperatures rise further and
animal-welfare risks intensify?
1271. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the
minimum animal welfare standards that apply to WA saleyards, including requirements
for access to potable water, adequate shade and shelter, and sufficient space
for animals to rest and lie down.
(1) Why have the "Penning density for sheep
and cattle in saleyards" and the "Responsibilities at saleyards"
fact sheets been removed from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional
Development website?
(2) Why has Boyanup saleyards been permitted to
continue operating for years when reports indicate that it consistently does
not meet these minimum standards?
(3) Will the minister confirm that DPIRD is the
agency with statutory responsibility for enforcing saleyard animal welfare
standards and, if so, what mechanisms exist when a facility repeatedly fails to
comply?
(4) What immediate steps will the minister take to
ensure compliance at Boyanup before temperatures rise further and
animal-welfare risks intensify?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(4) The "Responsibilities at saleyards"
fact sheet has been available on the Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development (DPIRD) website since March 2023. The fact sheet titled
"Penning density for sheep and cattle in saleyards" was previously
published on the DPIRD website; however, it was removed as it was considered
overly prescriptive and did not necessarily mitigate the risks of exceeding
penning densities. DPIRD is responsible for animal welfare compliance and
inspects Boyanup saleyards frequently. The Western Australian Livestock
Salesman Association, as the operators of the Boyanup saleyards, have addressed
any matters arising to the satisfaction of inspectors.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(4) The "Responsibilities at saleyards"
fact sheet has been available on the Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development (DPIRD) website since March 2023. The fact sheet titled
"Penning density for sheep and cattle in saleyards" was previously
published on the DPIRD website; however, it was removed as it was considered
overly prescriptive and did not necessarily mitigate the risks of exceeding
penning densities. DPIRD is responsible for animal welfare compliance and
inspects Boyanup saleyards frequently. The Western Australian Livestock
Salesman Association, as the operators of the Boyanup saleyards, have addressed
any matters arising to the satisfaction of inspectors.
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