PigCare

Australian pig farmers are leading the way in making positive changes in the way pigs are raised.

The Australian pork industry takes animal welfare very seriously. Our farmers have a strong commitment to the welfare of their animals and are constantly working towards improvements in this area. Every year, the industry invests a lot of time, effort and money in researching ways in which pig welfare can be improved and is actively involved in education and training of stock people.

Australian consumers can have every confidence in the animal welfare standards applied by Australian pork producers. Our farmers all abide by the standards as set out in the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (Pigs) Revised, 2007. Not only do Australian farmers fundamentally care about their animals, but also as a food producing industry, Australian pig farmers must pay attention to the welfare needs of their stock to meet food quality and safety requirements.

The single most important factor in addressing the welfare of animals is the husbandry skills of the stock-people. Calling for change for the sake of change will not benefit the animal and it may endanger food safety, the health of the animal and the environment.

For all these reasons, the health and welfare of animals is a key concern of pork producers. APL advocates sound, well researched and proven approaches to swine health and production. Healthy animals whose welfare is carefully respected result in safe, wholesome, high quality pork products.

The Australian pig industry looks to the future as both an opportunity to continue to build upon the reputation as leaders in animal welfare initiatives and environmental stewardship.