PDC: Animal Welfare

Draft Policy This is a draft policy which may still be under development and is not approved or endorsed by the party. Until such time as it is endorsed by the party, it does not represent the views or intentions of the party.

Preamble

The Pirate Party is opposed to animal abuse and believes our laws should be informed by scientific research which demonstrates the capacity of animals to feel emotion and pain. The improvement of public understanding through transparency and scientific discovery has been crucial to improvements in animal welfare to date, and we believe in the further application of these principles. Accordingly, we support existing efforts to create an independent statutory authority to conduct research and improve animal welfare outcomes. We also support improvements in the level of transparency applying to animal products.

The Pirate Party believes live exports need to be examined, with ongoing efforts made to promote chilled meat exports as an alternative to the live cattle trade: live exports are characterized by months-long voyages, unsanitary conditions and total absence of any freedom of movement, with a significant follow-up risk of abuse in destination countries. Efforts to improve live export conditions—in conjunction with sensible domestic reforms—offer the best chance for a 'net' gain in global animal welfare.

Policy text

Foster improvements in animal welfare

• Support existing proposals to form an Independent Office of Animal Welfare (IOAW).
  • The IOAW authority will be dedicated to animal welfare issues, with enforcement powers and a mandate to adopt a scientific approach.
  • The authority will have statutory independence to prevent political and commercial interference.
• Improve legislation applying to animal product industries.
  • Ban the use of sow stalls.
  • Codify a legal requirement for all abattoirs to stun animals prior to slaughter.
  • Provide whistleblower protection for persons who expose animal abuse at factory farms and other facilities.
  • Ensure transparent and clear labeling of all animal based products, with "free range" label permitted only when:
    • Independent audits of sanitary and welfare conditions are allowed.
    • For birds, indoor stocking density is at a maximum level of 28 kg of live birds per sq metre (35 kg for turkeys), with unrestricted access to an outdoor range with maximum of 1500 birds per hectare, no use of growth promoters, no mutilations (beak trimming, toe trimming, de-snooding).
    • For pigs and cattle, unrestricted access to soil and pasture and no use of farrowing crates, sow stalls, feedlots, tail docking, teeth clipping and nose ringing.
• Enact a package of reforms to transform and improve the live exports industry.
  • Provide assistance for willing live animal exporters to shift to chilled/frozen meat exports.
  • Require transparency and minimal standards for animal handling among destination countries as a condition of sale.
    • Australian trade officials to inspect animals upon arrival and in abattoir facilities in destination countries.
  • Reduce numbers of animals carried in ships and holding pens, and ensure sufficient provision of food and water.
  • Ensure open and transparent systems for euthanising animals, with a requirement to use stun equipment.