16 Oct 2009

Public feedback sought over transportation of animals

6:38 pm on 16 October 2009

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is seeking public feedback on an updated welfare code for transporting animals.

The committee says transportation can cause great stress for animals and the code is intended to encourage all those responsible for their welfare to go beyond the minimum standards for husbandry, care and handling.

It says the code covers all animals and all forms of transport.

The standards cover equipment design and maintenance, preparing and selecting animals for transport and for the provision of food, water and rest.

Committee chair Peter O'Hara says transport can have a significant impact on animal welfare if done poorly and for that reason the code has a high priority.

The public has until the end of November to make submissions.