The welfare of cows during transport and at slaughter is a priority for the livestock industry. Strict standards and guidelines are in place to ensure cows are handled with care, and their pain and fear are minimised.

The welfare of cattle in transit to slaughter and at slaughter establishments has been a focus of the livestock industry for many years. To ensure cows experience minimal pain and fear when entering the beef supply chain, a range of standards are strictly adhered to. 

During transport, the transporter would be required to adhere to the Land Transport of Livestock Standards and Guidelines. The dairy industry also endorses the Fit to Load Guide, by Meat and Livestock Australia. 

Australian knackeries that kill and process animals for pet food are required to be licenced by their relevant state or territory regulatory authority. The Australian Standard for the Hygienic Production of Pet Meat provides minimum standards and guidelines for hygienic processing of animals for pet food.

This Standard includes:

6.9.2 Animals are handled at meat premises in a way that minimises the risk of injury, pain and suffering and causes the least practicable disturbance to them and to other animals at the premises.  

6.9.4 Animals are provided with feed (where appropriate), water, shade, shelter, space and ventilation sufficient to minimise stress on the animals.

6.9.6 Animals are slaughtered in a way that minimises the risk of injury, pain and suffering to them and causes them the least practicable disturbance.