How do you ensure that cows do not experience pain and fear when they are sent to the knackery at the end of their productive lives?
The welfare of cattle in transit to slaughter and at slaughter establishments has been a priority focus for the livestock industry for many years. There are a range of Standards in place to ensure best practices are adhered to, and that pain and fear is minimised when cattle enter the beef supply chain.
Last updated 31/01/2025
At the end of a cow’s productive life, she may be sent to an abattoir or a knackery, both of which have Standards relating to animal welfare practices.
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.
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