The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has released for public comment the next stage of a review of standards for exporting live animals from Australia.
The Department said the overall Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) would consider relevant outcomes from the review of conditions for the export of sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer, conducted by Michael McCarthy.
“It will also address feedback from the first stage of the review and outstanding issues from the 2012-13 review of the standards,” the Department said.
“Feedback is sought on an issues paper, developed by the Technical Advisory Committee undertaking the review. The paper outlines the key areas the review will evaluate.”
DAWR said livestock exporters, animal health and welfare groups, producer groups, those involved in the export chain, and interested members of the public were encouraged to submit their feedback through its Have Your Say website by 19 September.
“The Department is implementing a series of changes to improve the sustainability of the trade with improved animal welfare outcomes,” it said.
“The Technical Advisory Committee expects to release a draft report for further consultation in late October.”
The 64-page issues paper for the second stage of the review can be accessed at this PS News link.
