Livestock & animals

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development supply chain support, research and development and rigorous biosecurity systems underpin the economic success of Western Australia’s livestock industries. In 2011/12, the WA livestock industries contributed 26% of the state’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry production, worth approximately $2 billion at the farm gate.

WA is a world leader in live exports, super fine wool production and dryland sheep and grain systems. Both cattle and sheep systems are focused on export markets to Asia and the Middle East. WA also has innovative, world-class integrated dairy and pork industries meeting local and South East Asian demand for safe, fresh milk and pork. The WA poultry industry is growing strongly as a result of increasing domestic consumption.

Global demand for high-quality, safe animal protein and products produced according to high animal welfare standards will continue to rise in coming years. Increasingly DAFWA will partner with industry -- locally, nationally and internationally -- in transformational business projects to capitalise on this demand.

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Articles

Animal Welfare Grant Program

30 September 2021

The Western Australian Government is supporting the welfare of companion animals and wildlife through grants for not-for-profit activities that foster and rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and pr
Wildlife Animal Ethics Committee (WAEC)

30 March 2022

The care and use of animals in Western Australia are subject to provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (the Act), which provides for the welfare, safety, and health of animals used for
Resources

4 November 2019

A number of tools and resources are available for owners and carers of animals, community groups and Local Governments, to help prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies that may impact
Welfare decisions for sheep and cattle

5 February 2015

At times such as during drought, sheep and cattle are subject to dramatic loss in body condition due to reduced feed intake.
Animal Welfare During Bushfires

18 October 2023

Animal Welfare During Bushfires
Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

1 September 2021

The State's Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) is a non-statutory body established to provide independent and expert advice to the Minister for Agriculture and Food on animal welfare related
Animal Welfare Act amendments 2023

21 April 2023

In March 2023, the State Parliament passed the Animal Welfare and Trespass Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (Amending Act).
Animal Welfare Act amendments 2018

15 January 2018

On 11 October 2017, amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (the Act) were introduced to State Parliament via the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill). On 20 November 2018, the
Transport Regulations

1 October 2020

On 2 October 2020, the Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020 (Transport Regulations) were gazetted and subsequently introduced in Western Australia.
Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses in WA

18 May 2020

The Western Australian Government recognises the value of animal welfare to our community and strives to ensure all animals receive appropriate standards of care.