The first animal welfare code for goats has been introduced.
The code was issued by Primary Industries Minister David Carter and sets general standards for care and best practice requirements for farmers.
It applies to any goat which is farmed for its milk, meat or fibre and includes goats kept as pets, for display or for weed control.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee drew up the code.
Chairman John Hellstrom says the industry has already established good farming practices, which the code formalises, and the biggest issue was regarding tethering the animals.
Dr Hellstrom says the code can be used to test whether someone should be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act.
