​​​The Animal Welfare (Pigs) Regulations 2013 commenced on 1 July 2013.

These Regulations legislate most of the standards contained in the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs 3rd edition making them legally enforceable. Most of the Regulations apply to all persons who keep pigs, not just commercial producers:

  Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs 3rd edition   (723Kb)

Note: in Tasmania standard 4.1.5 of the Code does not apply and the confinement of sows in stalls is prohibited except in the following circumstances:

• Under veterinary direction,
  
• Up to 10 days per oestrus cycle for the purpose of mating and for no more than 5 days following the final mating,
  
• Up to 3 hours per day for the purpose of feeding, veterinary treatment or husbandry procedures, or cleaning of the sow's pen.

Note also that there are mandatory record-keeping requirements in relation to the use of sow stalls.

Persons keeping pigs should refer to the Regulations in order to determine their responsibilities under the law.

​The Mo​del Code provides plain-English guidance on most areas of the Regulations except the provisions relating to sow stalls.

Australian Pork Limited has published a user-friendl​y and practical Companion Handbook to assist pork producers in complying with the Model Co​de​. It also provides practical advice on managing group housing:

  Companion Handbook to the Model Code of Practice​ for the Welfare of Pigs   (650Kb)

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For further information on Animal Welfare Standards:​