Another year of busy activity for the LCU
The department’s Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU) has completed another industrious year of compliance activities, carrying out 363 inspections across 2018/19, an increase of almost 50 on the previous year.
Most of the inspections took place at saleyards around Western Australia, with visits also conducted at piggeries, abattoirs, and live export wharves and depots.
During these visits inspectors monitor the welfare of livestock and the practices and equipment used in loading, unloading and processing. Where problems are identified, they may issue livestock management advice or direction notices to ensure improvements are made. In most cases, they work in collaboration with businesses to reach successful outcomes.
As part of their role, inspectors in the LCU also investigate reports of cruelty to livestock and may seek to prosecute where appropriate.
In the 2018/19 year, inspectors commenced more than 250 investigations and achieved five successful prosecutions in court.
Ingrown horns continued to attract significant penalties, with one producer fined $6000 at the end of 2018 in a case that related to a steer that was sent to a saleyard. The animal was seen by an LCU inspector during a routine inspection.
Education is a key focus and inspectors delivered a number of information sessions to agricultural college students and industry on animal welfare matters. They also attended field days in Dowerin, Newdegate and Mingenew, as well as at Wagin Woolorama.
The department has inspectors located right across Western Australia, from as far south as Albany to Broome in the north. Regional areas often have distinct welfare concerns and it is important to have LCU inspectors who are familiar with local issues.
For more information about the department’s animal welfare responsibilities, visit the Animal Welfare page.
To report suspected cruelty to animals, contact the RSPCA on (0)8 9209 9300 or 1300 278 3589 (emergencies only).
For more information contact Department of Primary industries and Regional Development Senior Communications Advisor Rick Bryant on +61 (0)8 9368 3346.