Australia is the world’s leading supplier of high quality live cattle, sheep and goats to countries around the world. For many years Australia has been a valuable food source for countries that do not have the resources or geography to efficiently produce livestock to feed their populations, meeting this overseas demand by exporting livestock for both food production and breeding, in addition to frozen and chilled meat products. At their destination, livestock are cared for by trained stock-men in feedlots where they have constant access to food, fresh water and shade. Australian animal welfare experts are based in the regions we export our animals to and regularly deliver animal welfare training and education programs. They also make improvements to infrastructure and livestock facilities.
The industry’s activities in animal welfare are vital to ensuring our animals are well cared for, meeting the standards that Australian farmers, exporters and communities expect. Whilst our work has ensured an increased standard of care in the markets we export to, we are aware there is still more work to be done, and we are focused on continuing to improve animal welfare in these markets. Australia’s livestock export industry is recognized as having the highest animal welfare standards for livestock export, and we are committed to maintaining our reputation as the best in the world. The industry is also subject to strict regulatory requirements. Exporters must be licensed by the Australian Government and meet the detailed requirements of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock ASEL.