Pigs are covered by Animal Welfare (Pigs) Regulations No.2 2023.
These Regulations legislate most of the standards contained in the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals making them legally enforceable.
In Tasmania standard 4.1.5 of the Model Code of Practice - Pigs 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.
There are mandatory record-keeping requirements in relation to the use of sow stalls.
Additional information
Australian Pork Limited has published a user-friendly and practical Companion Handbook to assist pork producers in complying with the Model Code. It also provides practical advice on managing group housing: