On October 1st the new animal welfare regulations came into effect. There are 45 changes so it can be a headache to find the changes that you need to know about. This is NOT an exhaustive list of welfare regulations, but a summary of the NEW changes that are likely to effect lifestyle farmers.

Cows

• You must not castrate bulls over 6 months of age without local anaesthetic.
• You must not use high tension bands without local anaesthetic at any age. This is NOT the standard rubber rings which can be used without local anaesthetic on cows younger than 6 months.
• From NEXT October 2019, local anaesthetic will be required to disbud or dehorn cattle of ANY AGE.
• You must not let horns become ingrown.

 

Sheep

• You must not castrate sheep older than 6 months old without using local anaesthetic.
• You must not use high tension bands without local anaesthetic at any age. This is not the standard rubber rings which can be used without anaesthetic until 6 months of age.

 

Pigs

• Castration must only be done by a veterinarian.
• Pigs must have a shelter that they can access at all times which is dry and ventilated (without draughts) to protect them from heat and cold. They must have a dry area that is big enough to stand, lie down and turn around in easily. You must not allow their waste to accumulate.

Horses

• Tethering your horse for grazing is not recommended. If you must tether your horse, they need constant access to water, food, shade and shelter from the weather.
  Horses must not be struck on the head including with your hand.
• Castration must be done by a veterinarian.

 

Goats

• Goats that are tethered for grazing must have a constant access to food, water, shade and shelter from the weather.
• You must not let horns become ingrown.

Many of these will come as no surprise and are already common practice. Who wants to castrate an old bull without anaesthetic?! But the changes will allow MPI and the SPCA to hold people accountable for lower levels of offending.

If you have any questions about your responsibilities, get in contact with your local Anexa team.