Livestock accreditation guide gets ALRTA thumbs up
Animal welfare business practices are a showcase of the new TruckSafe standards and accreditation guide, which has been backed by the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association (ALRTA).
TruckSafe says the trucking industry emphasised the importance of animal welfare, hence the business and risk-management scheme provides accredited members with best-practice systems which includes an animal welfare module.
The audited quality assurance program covers animal welfare, food safety and traceability.
“This is the only risk-mitigation tool available for managing both animal welfare and heavy vehicle safety compliance,” TruckSafe Chair Ferdie Kroon says.
“It was built in consultation with supply chain and community stakeholders using international standards and hazard analysis of critical control points.
“It is focused on humane stock transportation, minimising stress, disease prevention and preventing contamination. The module is an important part of full ‘paddock to plate’ traceability for livestock.”
Read about the new ag vehicle notice reducing permit access requirements, here
The scheme is backed by the ALRTA, president Stephen Marley says.
“Caring for live cargos is a unique part of the rural road transport task that is under constant scrutiny by markets, governments and the community,” Marley says.
“The TruckSafe animal welfare module is the best way for carriers to not only meet, but exceed, the requirements of the compulsory Australian Animal Welfare Standards for the Land Transport of Livestock.
“Our members operate in full view of the public and it has never been more important to demonstrate compliance with contemporary animal welfare expectations.
“Accredited members display a sticker on their vehicles, making it easy for the community and customers to recognise those who have best-practice animal welfare procedures in place.”