Australian farmers take pride in caring for their animals and work around the clock to ensure they have feed, water and shelter and are protected from predators and disease.
Keeping sheep healthy is critical to the sustainability of the industry and every farm, and it is the right thing to do. Healthy, happy sheep are more productive and more profitable too.

Good animal welfare is supported by knowledge and skilled management through the prevention of disease and injury, veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, nutrition, and recognised Australian industry best practice with regard to handling, transport, processing and euthanasia.

Australia has stringent animal welfare standards and guidelines, and it is protected by law in Australia. The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines were created to harmonise and streamline livestock welfare legislation across Australia. The standards form the basis for developing and implementing consistent legislation and enforcement in Australia.

In addition, the industry has been proactive in creating new programs and embedding frameworks to support the industry’s commitment to best practice animal health and welfare.

Under the Livestock Production Assurance program, accredited sheep producers are required to demonstrate that they have on-farm systems that ensure livestock are managed in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.

Sheep Producers Australia oversees the investment of industry levies in animal welfare research and extension programs with the aim of improving animal management, nutrition, health and welfare outcomes that are practical and effective for producers. This work provides tools and knowledge to help producers improve the wellbeing of the animals within their care and build community support for the sheep industry while increasing productivity too.