LIVESTOCK producers in Queensland have supported moves by the State Government to increase fines for animal cruelty and agree with plans to raise the maximum fine to $100,000 for individuals.

Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin’s made the decision to raise the maximum fine last week. 

AgForce Cattle vice president Grant Maudsley said animal welfare was a core part of management decisions for all producers at all times because it was a huge influence on production efficiency, quality and handling.

“There is no justification for any mistreatment or poor handling of livestock and industry believes economic drivers for better production practice are the best way to drive better welfare outcomes rather than prescriptive welfare regulations,” Mr Maudsley said.

“Good producers do not violate their duty of care to animals but we need a combination of practical regulations that meet community expectations augmented by penalties as a deterrent for those who are recalcitrant.”

Mr Maudsley said animal welfare remained an important area for industry-government relations because the Federal Government was reviewing cattle and sheep codes for Australian Animal Welfare Standards in 2009 under the leadership of peak sheep and cattle groups, Cattle Council of Australia and Sheepmeats Council of Australia.

“Healthy cattle that are not stressed are the most profitable and it is important that the best outcome from a commercial production basis is achieved during the AAWS consultation,” Mr Maudsle said.

AgForce Sheep & Wool president Brent Finlay said the ultimate goal was to have animal welfare practices that were of the highest standard in productive, profitable agricultural enterprises.

“Animal welfare practices in livestock production have undergone significant improvements through improvement of infrastructure and technology on properties and the adoption of better practices,” Mr Finlay said.

“Partnerships between industry, research and development institutes and government will ensure that there is continuous improvement in animal health and welfare.”