The place of quality assurance in managing animal welfare during long distance transport.

Abstract

The authors describe the development of an animal welfare component of a quality assurance (QA) programme for the land transportation of livestock in Australia. Relationships among animal welfare practices on farms, during transport and at destinations require an approach that covers the entire production chain. The need for QA programmes includes increased awareness in the transport industry that animal welfare is an issue that engages the broader community and recognition that contentious welfare standards are discussed in the public domain and that public attitudes influence animal welfare standards. Three booklets have been produced that cover animal welfare issues in transport for the m..