The Australian meat and livestock industry takes the welfare of livestock very seriously and regards it as a high priority. This priority was formalised in 1987 when operational guidelines for the welfare of animals at processing plants were published. The guidelines have been since revised and contained within the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Livestock at Slaughtering Establishments.

The Code includes sections on:

• Design and construction of unloading ramps at abattoirs
• Unloading of stock (including crippled or downer stock)
• Holding of stock during industrial disputes
• Stock holding facilities and management
• Slaughter methods
• Emergency destruction of livestock
• Working animals at abattoirs

The implementation of complementary codes of practice for the welfare of cattle and sheep on-farm, during transportation and at saleyards ensures that animal welfare standards are met from the farm to the point when the animal is processed.