formatted aaws project list - tor15 july (1)

7/31/2019 Formatted Aaws Project List - Tor15 July (1)

1/35

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department ofAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.

Funded activitiesby sectoralworking group

2009-presentJuly 2011


2/35

Funded activities by sectoral working group 2009-present PAGE 2

Key

AW101106 G1Ob2 Project title

[Funding Recipient]

Status:

[project description]

Requested from AAWS

Project Total

$

$

Project descriptions are based on proposals and may not reflect the current status.

Contents

Animals in the wild ...............................................................................................................3Aquatic .................................................................................................................................3Communication ....................................................................................................................6Communications ...6Companion Animals .7Education and Training .12Livestock and Production...16Research and Development..24Research and Teaching.25Work, sport, recreation and on display29Further support35

Contact Details

Animal Welfare Unit

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

GPO Box 858

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Ph: 02 6272 3933

[email protected]

www.australiananimalwelfare.com

July 2011

Drawings by primary students from Canberra Grammar School.

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department ofAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.

DAFF Reference AAWS Goal AAWS Objective
mailto:[email protected]://www.australiananimalwelfare.com/http://www.australiananimalwelfare.com/mailto:[email protected]


3/35


Animals in the wild

Contributions/commitments to activities

G3ob8 Publication of updated model for assessing humaneness of pest control - $10,000

Aquatic

Funded projects

AW101106 G1Ob2 Benchmarking harvest methodologies for the

Australian barramundi industry

University of Tasmania

Status: in progress

Minimising stress for barramundi during harvest will improve animal welfare and product quality

outcomes. A range of variations in harvest techniques are currently in use within the Australian

barramundi industry. This project will benchmark current harvest techniques and develop industry

best-practice protocols.

Objectives for this project are to:

Compare current harvest methodologies employed by commercial barramundi farmers (to bedone voluntarily and anonymously) and determine effects on the physiological stress response

and flesh quality in fish.

Identify critical control points in harvest which may be contributing to reductions in productquality attributes

Collate information and suggest cost-effective industry best practice methodologies for themaintenance of product quality attributes

Requested from AAWS

Project Total

$42 082

$42 082


4/35


AW091006 G2ob5 Aquatic Animal Welfare Codes of Practice for the

Capture Fisheries Sector Stages 2 and 3

Pearl Producers Australia

Status: in progress

Consistency in national approaches to animal welfare has been identified as a major priority for the

AAWS. The Aquatic Animal Welfare Working Group has been developing industry-driven animal welfare

codes of practice for the wild capture fishing industries (Line; Longline Trawl; Pot & Trap; Seine; and

Gillnet) through a project funded by the AAWS in 2008-09. This grant will enable project stages 2 and

3 to be completed, including consultation with industry and animal welfare stakeholders, finalisation of

the guidelines and extension to industry.

The codes are being written for compatibility with the overarching welfare principles developed by theAquatic Animal Welfare Working Group. Issues covered include timely handling from capture to death

to minimise suffering, capture methods that minimise by-catch, and humane killing of fish as rapidly

as possible using methods suitable for the species. Regulatory standards cannot be developed for

aquatic species at this time because fish are not treated consistently within existing state and territory

legislation.

The guidelines will be regularly reviewed through fishing industry and stakeholder networks for

currency with the national animal welfare strategy, changes to capture methods and any adopted

international welfare guidelines developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Requested from AAWS

Additional contributionProject Total

$ 77 550

$130 000$207 550


5/35


AW101108 G3ob9 Development of resources to promote best practice in

the humane dispatch of finfish caught by recreational anglers

DigsFish Services Pty Ltd

Status: in progress

The project will provide anglers with information on best practice methods of brain spiking to ensure

humane dispatch of popular finfish species, through research, development and extension activities.

The objectives are:

To conduct a literature review of the various methods of humane dispatch of fish, particularlythose of relevance to recreational fishers.

To illustrate the exact position of the brain in relation to external landmarks and bony structure inthe head of popular recreational fishing target species in Australia, and suggest best methodology

to achieve rapid humane brain destruction for each species.

To develop extension material - three sets of leaflets with information and illustrations fordistribution to anglers nationally, articles in national fishing magazines and a how to video for

internet websites.

Funded from AAWS Project

Total

$106 370

$106 370


6/35


7/35


Companion animals

Funded projects

AW101103 G3ob8 Whos for cats

Department of Environment and Heritage, South Australia

Status: in progress

Whos for catshas been a successful program running in Victoria to discourage the feeding of straycats and encourage people to take responsibility for the animals by either assuming ownership or

capturing and surrendering the cats to animal shelters. This project aims to expand the program to all

Australian state and local governments and to relevant non-government agencies, including shelters,

welfare groups and the veterinary profession. Based on the Victorian experience and given that cat

management and welfare is a focus of many of these groups, it is predicted that the materials once

developed and made available will be used widely.

The project is being sponsored and lead by South Australian and Victorian state government agencies,

with direct involvement from RSPCA Australia, the Invasive Animals CRC and the Cat Protection

Society of Australia. It has also been endorsed by both the AAWS Companion Animals and Animals in

the Wild Working Groups, and supporters include the Animal Welfare League of Australia, the

Australian Veterinary Association and the Pet Industry Association of Australia.

Only Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales have central funding (derived from registrationfees) for companion animal management programs, although all state, territory and local governments

have responsibility for these issues. Given the substantial costs involved in developing a program such

as Whos for cats it is unlikely other jurisdictions could undertake as comprehensive a program

without national sponsorship. This project will provide all jurisdictions and non-government

organisations with the necessary tool box to deliver the program in their particular states, regions

and communities.

Requested from AAWS

Additional contribution

Project Total

$ 22 000

$700 000

$722 000


8/35


9/35


AW101114 G1ob2 The relationship between attitudes and behaviour of

human care-takers and animal behaviour of dogs in a shelter environment

Animal Welfare Science Centre

Status: in progress

Research has indicated that dogs housed in animal shelters experience both fear and stress. This

project will contribute to the understanding of the human-dog relationship in shelters and identify

opportunities to improve the welfare of shelter dogs through training for the human attendants. By

targeting the attitudes and behaviours of animal shelter attendants this project will deliver improved

welfare for dogs. The attitudes and behaviours of animal attendants towards shelter dogs will be

measured, and data captured about levels of fear of humans and stress experienced by the dogs.

Analysis of the results will inform subsequent research about the causal relationships between

attendant behaviour and the animals stress response, enabling recommendations to be made with

regard to appropriate cognitive or animal behaviour training for shelter attendants. The results will be

published in the scientific and popular press. The development of a training tool will be promoted to

shelters nationally. Additional contributions to this project will come from senior research staff at the

University of Melbourne and Monash University.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$14 110

$19 463

$33 573


10/35


AW101107 G3ob8 Its cool to be kind - Improved communication,

education and training in the companion animals sector

Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia

Status: in progress

Compassion and empathy are fundamental for responsible pet ownership and enable the Five

Freedoms for Animals to be met.

By using contemporary media, the project will raise awareness in the general Australian community

and young Australians in particular, of the importance for empathy, respect and appropriate care for

animals.

The project will facilitate two-way communication with communities/groups via website, email alerts,blogs, YouTube and Facebook, and provide communication pathways for providing feedback using

identified networks.

Funded from AAWS


Project Total

$15 000

$29 900

$44 900


11/35


AW111201 G3ob8 Be a friend to your dog indigenous education program

Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC)

Status: in progress

This project involves conducting school and community visits across three shires in the Northern

Territory. These visits aim to build awareness of indigenous primary school students on how to better

care for their animals. Key messages focus on carer responsibilities and basic animal welfare needs.

The objectives for this project are:

To visit 10 community schools during 2011-12 and 10 follow-up visits during 2012-13 acrossthree shires in the NT to deliver key animal welfare messages to indigenous primary school aged

children, with the main focus being on the behaviour and attitude towards dogs and catsencountered in the community.

To support existing indigenous and non indigenous teaching staff and animal managementworkers by providing them with culturally appropriate resources, lesson plans and notes so they

can continue teaching students in the classroom about animal welfare.

To conduct and evaluation of the program though teacher feedback forms and feedback fromanimal management workers who are visiting community homes on any attitudinal changes

towards pets and animal welfare.

Funded from AAWS


Project Total

$22 930

$13 230

$36 160


12/35


13/35


AW101123 G3ob9 On-line teaching material for the welfare of animals in

schools (Community of practice)

NSW Department of Education and Training

Status: in progress

The project will develop on-line teaching resources about the welfare of animals in schools for teachers

of agriculture and primary industries early in their career. The teaching resources will be based on the

electronic and hard copy resources developed for the two day workshop held on 6 - 7 September 2010

funded by the AAWS in 2010-2011. This will include:

Images of mentor teachers school farms showing layouts, facilities and equipmentExamples of animal care record keeping proceduresSamples of activities carried out by students to develop skills in handling and managing livestockTeaching programs used highlighting the development of animal welfare practices through

progression of learning

Examples of teaching programs that reflect individual school communitiesUsing information and communication technologies to document student work and farm

management practices

Discussion of options for managing the farm assistant.Funded from AAWS

Project Total

$11 000

$11 000


14/35


AW101104 G3ob9 Smiling animals in the Dreamtime: (Improving animal

welfare in indigenous communities)

Biosecurity Qld, Dept of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

Status: in progress

Animal welfare in indigenous communities is sub-standard to non-indigenous communities and there is

a need to raise the level of awareness, empathy and responsibility towards all animals in communities.

This has been demonstrated by the ongoing need for government intervention in communities to

manage and protect animals, resulting in benefits to the health of community members.

The project aims to deliver behavioural change to primary aged school children in a trusted learning

environment by building knowledge, awareness and understanding of the needs of animals for good

welfare. The learning will focus on the main animals encountered in the community.

The project aims to provide teachers with resources, lesson plans and notes to continue teaching

students in the classroom about animal welfare.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$27 230

$26 130

$53 360


15/35



G2ob6 Animal welfare in natural disasters training - $22,500 with $22,500 in kind

AW101110 G3ob8 Caring for Dogs, Community and Country Education

Resource Evaluation

Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC)

Status: in progress

The DVD Caring for dogs, Community and Country (funded through the AAWS) was designed so that

educators from a range of disciplines and community members could engage viewers in indigenous

communities to promote better animal welfare and care, encourage people to have fewer healthier

animals, keep people in communities safer and healthier and to encourage people to think responsibly.

This project will determine the overall effectives of communicating these key education messages

through the DVD and enable an assessment of the usefulness of the original funding. The evaluation

will enable stakeholders to improve future education strategies and key messages to be delivered

within the AAWS strategy and also allow AMRRIC to critically examine the model for animal welfare

and management for remote indigenous communities. The additional contributions to this project will

come from AMRRIC in the form of staff time, travel and project management.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$27 000

$ 7 000

$34 000


16/35


Livestock and production

Funded projects

AW091002 G2ob5 Contribution to the development of standards and

guidelines for livestock cattle and sheep

Animal Health Australia

Status: on hold

The Primary Industries Ministerial Council strongly supports the development of nationally consistent

Australian animal welfare standards for the livestock sector. The timely and consistent conversion of

model codes to Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines is a priority for industry and all

levels of government. The development and application of clear, contemporary, and consistent animal

welfare standards will help Australia continue to promote its animal welfare credentials to a domestic

and international audience.

The sheep and cattle model codes are currently being converted to standards and guidelines. For

these and future standards development processes, payments will be met on a three-way basis, with

industry, state governments and the Commonwealth government all paying a one-third contribution.

This grant will deliver the Commonwealth governments contribution to the ongoing conversion and

development process. It includes funding for the revised bobby calf standard under the Land Transport

Standards, additional contributions to the sheep and cattle standards and the Commonwealth

contribution to the goat and horse standards.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$30 000

$60 000

$90 000


17/35


AW101115 G1ob2 Qualitative behavioural assessment as a method to

identify potential stressors during commercial sheep transport

Murdoch University

Status: in progress

This project aims to identify whether environmental (e.g. temperature, humidity, driving behaviour,

length of journey and physical restriction) or intrinsic (e.g. age, weight, stocking rate, length of

curfew, mixing of social groups) factors have the greatest influence on the behaviours displayed by

sheep during commercial land transport. Behavioural assessment provides an indication of the welfare

state of an animal, and shows a high correlation with physiological measures. The project will use

qualitative behavioural assessment, a quick, non-invasive whole animal approach, to quantify

behavioural expressions. The project will also test the usefulness of this approach as a tool which

could be used to compare animals under a range of production scenarios, as a guide to interpretation

of more detailed welfare measures, and to highlight situations that require more intensive welfare

assessment. Identifying the key factors that are correlated with negative animal behaviour will

contribute towards improvement of current land transport practices. The findings of the project will be

communicated back to sheep industry stakeholders to contribute towards better levels of care and

management of sheep during commercial transport. In kind contributions to this project will come

from Murdoch University.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$40 000

$40 000

$80 000


18/35


AW101105 G3ob9 Mapping ProHand stockperson training packages

against current livestock industry competencies and establishing

recommendations for future accreditation.


Status: in progress

The ProHand training programs, developed by the Animal Welfare Science Centre in collaboration with

several livestock industries, are aimed at improving the attitude and behaviour of stockpeople working

with livestock.

This project will map in detail all of the available ProHand programs to all of the relevant livestock

industry competency units (within several different diplomas), including the core assessmentrequirements. This exercise will also provide insight into future revisions of ProHand that may include

specific assessment tools required to fulfil the applicable competency requirements of the mapped

units.

The project will also examine options for accrediting the ProHand packages. There are several ways

this may be examined first, as part of quality assurance certification, where the package may be

accredited in relation to specific standards, and second registration of the packages as a formal

course in accordance with the policies specified by the National Training Information Service and State

Training Authorities.

It complements the Animal Health Australia project which aims to address gaps in training

opportunities throughout the entire livestock supply chain, not just for livestock handlers on farm.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$14 300

$ 7670

$21 970


19/35


AW101101 G3ob9 Evaluation of the European Union (EU) Welfare Quality

Handling Dairy and Laying Hen programs


Status: in progress

The Animal Welfare Science Centre in Victoria has worked with partners from France, the Netherlandsand Austria to develop a suite of training programs for stockpeople under the EUs Welfare Qualityframework. This project seeks to explore the applicability of these training programs for dairy andlaying hens in Australia. The EU welfare quality handling programs focus on improving welfare byreducing animal stress from improved attitudes and behaviours of animal carers and handlers.

Reducing fear and stress among dairy cows and laying hens can deliver improved productivity.

The project will evaluate the EU welfare quality training programs in Australian industries andrecommend whether and how the EU training programs might be implemented in Australias laying

hen and dairy industries.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$11 000

$ 9 490

$20 490


20/35


AW101124 G1ob3 Cattle Industry Animal Health, Welfare and Biosecurity

network

Cattle Council of Australia

Status: in progress

Cattle Council of Australia (CCA) has commenced the development of a network of animal health,

welfare and biosecurity officers in each state and territory to focus attention on the industrys animal

health, welfare and biosecurity priorities. This initiative is in response to industrys growing

responsibility under the emergency animal disease response agreement and the erosion of the

financial commitment being shown by jurisdictional governments. The network will be centrally co-

ordinated and managed from the CCA office in Canberra. When fully operational, the network will

provide a much more robust and functional structure than currently exists for the purpose of

advancing animal health and welfare across industry.

Funding is sought to assist with the development of the networks communication and training

components. As these regional officers will be required to communicate with CCA and with producers

in the field, the final communications strategy will be central to their success. Likewise, they will also

be required to run workshops for producers on animal welfare matters, and train them where

necessary, a train-the-trainer package will be required in the initial stages. It would be preferable for

such a package to be accredited with a recognised national agency. The network is also envisioned to

play a key role in the roll out and implementation of new animal welfare standards and guidelines for

livestock transport and for cattle.

Once in place it is also expected that the network will be able to provide support to livestock industries

in addition to beef cattle, in particular sheep meats and wool.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$ 55 000

$ 55 000

$110 000


21/35


AW091004 G3ob8 Publication and evaluated application of a Stock

Preparation Guide for Livestock Transport

Australian Livestock Transporters Association

Status: in progress

In consultation with a number of industry partners, the Australian Livestock Transporters Association

has drafted a Stock Preparation Guide for Livestock Transport. The Guide seeks to improve animal

welfare by reducing the danger to animals that is caused by excessive effluent discharge when

transporting livestock. It also seeks to reduce associated biosecurity hazards.

The ALTA Guide complements the forthcomingAustralian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines -

Land Transport of Livestock. This project seeks to reconcile welfare and production imperatives in a

specific area that has been sometimes disputed.

Animals are often consigned for transport when full of poorly selected feed and recently supplied

water, in an attempt to maximise sale and slaughter weights. The excessive effluent spill generated by

this practice has animal welfare and biosecurity impacts. Meanwhile some producer and welfare

stakeholders have criticised transport companies who urge that animals be very heavily curfewed,

arguing that this is an arbitrary and simplistic approach that will reduce production values and may

impact welfare (such as in circumstances where total time off water during the sale process cannot be

predicted). The ALTA Guide seeks to resolve this dispute, using the shared commitment of all parties

to animal welfare outcomes as a means to drive a reframing of the feed and water issue as a

question of appropriate and effective Stock Preparation.

This proposal seeks funding to support finalisation of this Guide as a professional and robust product;

distribution and promotion of the Guide as a basis to improve current practice and raise consistency

across industry. Also, to support the managed application of this Guide by industry partners in

selected regional areas, in order to demonstrate and evaluate its impact.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$ 17 050

$180 000

$197 050


22/35


AW091012 G3ob9 Best practice stock handling training resources

Animal Health Australia

Status: in progress

Improving training for people involved with handling livestock has consistently been identified as a

priority for the AAWS Livestock and Production Working Group. A lack of readily available and high

quality training materials is a real impediment to the delivery of training, especially in rural and

remote areas. This project will develop flexible teaching and learning materials to support best

practice training in animal handling. The materials will also support the introduction of new national

animal welfare standards and codes of practice with particular reference to best practice livestock

handling.

The resources will cover the full supply chain and address the animal welfare requirements, challenges

and issues at all stages. They will provide an appreciation of the costs associated with poor handling

including reduced product quality and loss of community support for the industries involved. Industry,

governments and Registered Training Organisations will be able to use the materials to deliver

nationally consistent, best practice accredited (and non-accredited) training across Australia. Multiple

formats and approaches for information delivery will be adopted to ensure accessibility. The materials

will also support achievement of the appropriate unit of competency under the National Training

System (currently RTE2118A Handle livestock using basic techniques).

This project complements the ProHand stockperson training packages project which has also been

recommended for funding. The Best practice stock handling resources projectseeks to fill gaps in

available training resources for people involved in the entire livestock supply chain. The ProHand

training packages specifically address human-animal interactions relevant to livestock handlers.

Funded from AAWS


Project Total

$33 000

$33 000

$66 000


23/35


AW101122 G3ob8 Preparation and publication of a handbook for livestock

transporters

Australian Livestock Transporters Association (ALTA)

Status: in progress

The project will deliver preparation and publication of a glove box handbook for livestock transport

drivers and companies to assist with planning journeys to comply with the requirements of theAnimal

welfare standards and guidelines - land transport of livestockand fatigue laws. The handbook will

include livestock transport routes, distances, location of rest stops for drivers and livestock, facilities,

wash out areas and other relevant information.

Funded from AAWS

Project Total

$22 000

$22 000


G4ob11 Review and update the Livestock export standards and guidelines - $15,000


24/35


Research and Development

Funded projects

AW101113 G3ob9 Optimising the AAWS R&D plans to maximise

effectiveness

Pestat Pty Ltd

Status: in progress

The project will progress two research projects indentified as a priority ranking by the Intensive

Livestock sector as stream 1 : Project 1.1 Understanding attitudes towards the welfare of

intensively farmed pigs, poultry and beef feedlots in Australia and Project 1.2 Developing (topical)

pain management tools/products for husbandry procedures. This will include holding workshops and

meetings that include key industry peak bodies to confirm industry in-principal support and draft

project plans, including timelines, budgets, risk identification and mitigation etc. In relation to Project

1.2, summarise potential for application/extension of existing formulations/products.

Under Stream 2 - liaise with other working groups to facilitate future R&D project initiation.

Funded from AAWS


Project Total

$50 000

$24 800

$74 800


G3ob8 DAFF Young Innovator award for animal welfare research- $20,000

G3ob9 Support for national RD&E strategy executive officer - $5,000

G4ob12 New Zealand-Australia OIE Collaborating Centre animal welfare pilot course - $15,000

G4ob12 CC Twinning application preparation - $1,500

G4ob12 Literature review - $15,000


25/35


(Animals in) Research andteaching

Funded projects

AW101118 G1ob2 To revise and update the 2001 edition of the ANZCCART

Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes

Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association

Status: in progress

Wherever animals are used, including as pets, there are serious issues in trying to ensure that

suffering is avoided. Humane killing is a final option where an animals quality of life cannot be

improved or if the animal is at risk of being seriously adversely affected if left alive. In all cases

current best practice should be the aim, however, in the experimental context, methods used must be

compatible with the scientific aims of the particular project as well as humane. The Australian and New

Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) Euthanasia guidelines

are extensively used in Australia and internationally by researchers, teachers, members of Animal

Ethics Committees (AECs) and animal care staff. It is important that the guidelines are maintained in

light of new knowledge and current best practice. It is ten years since the guidelines were last revised

and a technical revision is overdue.

This project will enable a working group to be formed to undertake a review of current practice andscientific literature to identify opportunities to update the current guidelines and deliver

improvements. It will also facilitate the appointment of a technical editor to revise the guideline for

provision to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for consideration as a third

party Guideline under theAustralian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific

Purposes. Additional contributions to this project will be made by ANZCCART, NHMRC and CSIRO.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$35 000

$45 000

$80 000


26/35


AW091005 G3ob8 CARE (Caring for Animals in Research and Education):

a web-based resource and learning module for those involved in the care

and use of animals for scientific purposes

University of NSW

Status: in progress

TheAustralian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes governs any

use of animals for research, teaching or product testing in the fields of medicine, biology, agriculture,

veterinary, environmental or animal sciences and thus relates to research and teaching activities

across all AAWS sectors. The Code details an ethical framework for deciding if and how animals can be

used in these circumstances and provides principles to guide such decisions and actions notably with

regard to justification and the critical application of the 3Rs Replacement, Refinement and

Reduction.

This project aims to develop a web-based resource that will support an improved understanding of and

effective engagement with the processes set out in the ethical framework that governs the care and

use of animals for scientific purposes. The web resource will be designed for two purposes (1) to

support institutional education programs for researchers, teachers and students who work with

animals, as an on-line learning module with facility for on-line assessment and (2) as a resource of

current and relevant information for those who wish to revise or update their knowledge in certain

areas.

This project complements other projects recommended for funding from the Animals used in Research

and Teaching sector. Theperformance measures project looks to deliver a system for research

institutions to ensure they are effectively meeting the requirements of the Australian Code of Practice.

The Caring for Animals in Research and Education web resource project seeks to use a detailed onlinelearning resource to improve understanding of the ethical framework and requirements established by

the Code among key stakeholders including researchers, teachers and students. Finally TheAnimal

Research in Australia video projects will deliver a highly accessible Australian-specific objective

overview of the issues, concerns and safeguards surrounding the use of animals in research and

teaching.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$ 27 500

$137 700

$165 200


27/35


AW091008 G3ob8 Animal Research in Australia an educational video for

researchers and the general public

University of Sydney

Status: in progress

Animal research practices and regulations in Australia differ in many important respects from other

countries. This is important for Australian audiences who resort to information from overseas which

can be misleading and lead to unnecessary concern about practices that are not permitted in this

country. It has been difficult to present a national perspective on this area since existing regulation is

in the hands of state and territory governments.

Polarisation within the general community in relation to the ethics of animal research can be

destructive. Bringing together a diversity of stakeholder views in light of objective information aboutthe structures and processes that are involved in Australia will help foster communication and the

identification of common ground and common animal welfare goals.

This project aims to produce an educational video with an objective focus on research practices and

regulations in Australia. The video would be made widely available free of charge, including through

internet download and DVD to: 1) Support the ethical component of researcher training by presenting

a cross-section of community views on animal research; 2) Serve as an educational resource for the

broader community to help address the lack of objective information about animal research practices

and regulations in Australia and 3) Provide a snapshot of Australias ethical framework for decision

making involving projects where animal use is proposed.

A crucial factor and one that draws directly from the approach of the AAWS lies in the range of ethical

viewpoints to be presented in a balanced manner. This is in contrast to most existing material which

strongly favours the position of single stakeholders.

This grant represents one half of the project to produce an educational video regarding the use of the

animals in research in Australia. The second part, being undertaken by the Australian and New

Zealand Council for the Care of Animals, will enable the recording of different segments for different

audiences, further expanding the utility and applicability of the final product.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$11 000

$12 000

$23 000


28/35


AW091010 G3ob8 Additional module to Animal Research in Australia an

educational video for researchers and the general public

Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching

Status: in progress

This project aims to expand on the animal research in Australia video project so it will allow for

modular assembly of the recorded items to allow the material to be more specifically tailored to meet

the needs of various target audiences. Preparation of additional video segments will allow its effective

application as a training resource in schools and for teacher training where direct and detailed

reference to invasive surgical procedures is not always appropriate for a general audience. Further

segments will be produced to focus on training researchers and Animal Ethics Committee members.

Those segments could cover more invasive procedures and the serious concerns within the community

for the welfare of the animals involved. This is currently outside the scope of the proposal for part one

of this project.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$ 8 800

$15 000

$23 800


29/35


Work, sport, recreation and ondisplay

Funded projects

AW091013 G1ob2 Australian Working Dog Action Plan: A strategic plan to

enhance working dog welfare in Australia

Bureau of Animal Welfare, Victorian Department of Primary Industries

Status: in progress

The Australia Working Dog Survey 2009 funded under the AAWS was important for the sector because

it provided a basis to assess the animal welfare status of Australias working dog population and

identify opportunities for improvement.

This follow up project will develop a strategic action plan for the sector, using the survey findings to

develop specific, measurable, achievable and relevant actions to enhance working dog welfare in

Australia.

The action plan will cover critical response areas such as the responsibilities of key stakeholders and

research and development priorities.

Funded from AAWS


Project Total

$33 000

$44 000

$77 000


30/35


AW101117 G1ob2 Human-animal relationships in zoos: understanding the

impact of visitors on the welfare of non-human primates in Australian zoos


Status: in progress

Zoo visitors are an integral part of life for zoo animals but there is only limited understanding of how

visitor numbers and behaviour influence animal welfare. This project will fill a major knowledge gap in

knowledge and be the first to thoroughly investigate visitor effects on animal welfare using preference

testing, behavioural observations, physiological assessment and replication. This preliminary study will

target five zoos across Australia to define enclosure characteristics and create an ethogram of animal

behaviours (with visitors present and absent). It is the first part of a larger study to fully assess the

effects of visitors on the welfare of zoo animals which has been raised as an issue of concern. This will

assist zoo operators to identify areas of potential impacts and appropriate remedial action. Additional

contributions to this project will come from senior research staff at the Universities of Melbourne and

Queensland, as well as from Zoos Victoria.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$3 170

$29 574

$32 744


31/35


AW091015 G2ob5 Finalisation of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards

and Guidelines: Exhibited Animals

NSW Department of Industry and Investment

Status: in progress

The development of nationally consistent arrangements for animal welfare is a key goal under the

AAWS. Australias livestock industries have model codes of practice which are being progressively

converted into Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines to facilitate consistent

implementation and regulation by the states and territories; this is coordinated by Animal Health

Australia. The collaborative approach of the AAWS is enabling the other animal sectors to drive the

development of Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for non-production animals.

As with other animal industries, regulating and licensing facilities for the keeping of exhibited animals(native wildlife and zoo animals) is the responsibility of the states and territories, and there are some

significant differences in regulatory requirements between jurisdictions. This project aims to address

this inconsistency by producing an agreed set of general and taxon-specific standards and guidelines

and a supporting regulation impact statement for national endorsement.

This project will finalise the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines: Exhibited Animals,

and facilitate public consultation on the draft standards and the regulation impact analysis in

preparation for these documents. These are to be presented to the Primary Industries Ministerial

Council.

The standards and guidelines being drafted for exhibited animals are based upon a draft code of

practice developed in Queensland, existing regulations in states and territories and the industrys

quality assurance program.

The industry is driving the development of standards and guidelines and is providing significant

contribution through the Zoo and Aquarium Association. The Association has directly funded the

development of taxon standards and guidelines which will be attached to the general standards and

guidelines. This contribution, approximately one-third of the overall project cost, is consistent with the

shared-funding approach used to develop animal welfare standards and guidelines in other sectors.

PIMC 15 in May 2009 agreed to a national endorsement pathway for non-production animal welfare

standards and guidelines. After the necessary public consultation the exhibited animals standards will

progress to PIMC for noting or endorsement, and for referral to other Australian Government

ministerial councils as appropriate.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$ 49 500

$120 000

$169 500


32/35


AW101109 G3ob9 ARIES project - professional development on standards

and guidelines for zoo industry

Macquarie University

Status: in progress

This project will develop a professional training package for members of the zoo and aquarium

industry on animal welfare and the new Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines: Exhibited

Animals (Zoos).

The objectives for this project are, through the development and implementation of the training

package, to:

Increase understanding of animal welfare issues within the zoo and aquarium industryIncrease understanding of the content, scope and history of the Australian Animal Welfare

Standards and Guidelines: Exhibited Animals (Zoos) and the implications for the industry

Support compliance with the standards and progression to delivery of best practiceFunded from AAWS

Project Total

$28 737

$28 737


33/35


AW101102 G3ob9 Development of a zoo-based framework for education,

implementation and assessment of Animal Welfare based on the Five

Freedoms of Animal Welfare

Zoo and Aquarium Association

Status: in progress

The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare were established by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council as away to ensure animal management systems consider various aspects of an animals physical andmental health that could impact on its state of welfare.

This project uses the Five Freedoms concept as a platform to build an education program for zoo staffand visitors on the definition and meaning of animal welfare in our zoos, and how animal welfare isimplemented and assessed. Following this program zoo staff will be better placed to ensure zoo

facilities and animal management programs appropriately address animal welfare issues to meet theintent of the five freedoms, and can make recommendations for improvements.

The project includes the development and distribution of educational materials for use by zoos,

including display boards, workplace posters, presentations for staff induction packages and content for

zoo websites.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$8 800

$6 100

$14 900


34/35


AW091001 G3ob8 Best and fairest arrives on the equestrian scene: a

grass-roots, preventive approach to sustainable equine welfare

Charles Sturt University

Status: in progress

There is evidence that a large number of horses are being ridden with undiagnosed problems such as

lameness and back pain, and that veterinarians currently only have a limited impact on the health and

welfare of pleasure horses. There is an urgent need to improve frameworks though which horse

owners source equine health and welfare information.

Pony Club is the largest equestrian association in Australia, a favourite past-time for Australian

children, a centre for the nations future equestrians, and a significant economic contributor to thepleasure horse sector. There are about 980 Pony Clubs in Australia and the importance of the horse in

leisure is growing.

This project aims to develop a practical approach to self-managed rider education for Pony Club

members, steered by equine veterinarians. Measurable outcomes of success and sustainability will be

the emergence of websites disseminating equine welfare assessment tools for young people and Pony

Clubs presenting awards for the best and fairest rider.

Requested from AAWS


Project Total

$ 9 900

$ 8 650

$18 550


35/35


Further supportContributions to activities

G4ob11 International travel sponsorships - $20,000

G4ob11 Regional Animal Welfare Strategy support - $100,000

G4ob11 Reprint of RAWS strategy booklet - $2,500

formatted aaws project list - tor15 july (1)

Documents