Fremantle Port - March 2010

Although there is a mandatory requirement for drivers to check on the welfare of any of the animals on their trucks, no drivers were observed doing this.

The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) as does the Code of Practice For The Transportation Of Sheep In Western Australia, requires that the drivers check their animals however there is NO state Animal Welfare Unit Inspector available to ensure compliance to State legislation due severe funding restrictions, therefore the State is not ensuring their legislation is enforced.

Additionally, AQIS do not inspect or enforce the welfare provisions of the ASEL as stated below, therefore again there is no Governmental authority ensuring full compliance with the mandatory ASEL regulations.

Version 2.2 Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) December 2008
These Standards are relevant to each stage of the livestock export chain and should be reflected in relevant quality assurance programs. Livestock sourced for export must meet any requirement under a law of a state or territory. State and territory governments are responsible for ensuring that these jurisdictional requirements are met under respective state and territory legislation. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) must be satisfied that importing country requirements and these Standards have been met before issuing a health certificate and export permit.

S2.1 The land transport of livestock for export must meet any relevant animal health and welfare and road transport requirements under state and territory legislation and relevant requirements under national Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals.

S2.16 Livestock must be checked to ensure that they are evenly distributed and remain fit to travel:
(a) immediately before departure;
(b) within 30–60 minutes of commencement of the journey;
(c) at least every 2–3 hours as road conditions warrant; and
(d) immediately before departure after any stop.

Code Of Practice For The Transportation Of Sheep In Western Australia
9.3.1 All consignments should be inspected within 30-60 minutes of commencing a journey. Road consignments should be checked at least every three hours, or whenever the driver has a rest stop.