The Western Australian livestock industry has met with the RSPCA to discuss making the welfare of animals a key focus.
Last week, the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), RSPCA and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) met at the “Animal welfare: collaborating for a sustainable future” workshop, Farm Weekly reports.
The groups are working to find some “common ground” between the industry and the welfare of animals, following the controversial live export revelations earlier this year that led to Prime Minister Julia Gillard banning live exports from Indonesia.
PGA president Rob Gillam told Farm Weekly the meeting was good start for the treatment of animals.
"The first thing I think everyone needs to recognise is that there will need to be compromise from the hard line positions which some have adopted in various areas," Gillam said.
"We need to compromise and some of that is going to be hard for some of RSPCA president Lynne Bradshaw’s colleagues in the discussions we have had.
"Some of the ideals which the RSPCA have got are a little bit hard to marry up with where the commercial reality is and the expertise that comes out of DAFWA.
"This is where we have got ideals versus the meeting of business needs."
In July, DAFWA was given responsibility for the Animal Welfare Act (2002).
Gillam believes the collaboration of the RSPCA, industry and DAFWA, will be able to rebuild trust with farmers.
"The best animal husbandry produces the best results," he said.
"Those in the industry who treat their animals well on the farms and on the trucks and on the ships – they are the ones who make the most money out of this.
"As much as we love our livestock we also have to make a living.
"There were quite a few of our members who were disappointed to see the RSPCA commit themselves heavily to the side of the abolishment of the trade.
"A lot of farmers see the RSPCA as aligning themselves with the extremists but with the RSPCA committing themselves with this partnership, I think there is a very good opportunity for them to get back onto an acceptable level."
Bradshaw said it was important for the RSPCA to build trust from farmers.
"I think if we focus on the animal welfare outcomes I think there should be some common ground to be had," Bradshaw said.
"The workshop was a huge opportunity to work with DAFWA and industry on improving animal welfare.
"Over my travels and my discussions in the last few months I have come to the conclusion that we are saying the same thing.
"From our perspective, while the Government has decided to continue with these animal industries, the RSPCA will do its best to support that.
"We will put our hat in the ring in terms of what we see as outcomes required from an animal welfare perspective."
WA Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman opened the day with a reinforced commitment the Premier had already made when he announced $500,000 in funding for the RSPCA.
Image: The Courier Mail