Working dogs on Australian sheep farms and the LPA

Working dogs play an important role in the operations of many of Australia’s sheep farms.   

The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program does not restrict the use of working dogs.   

The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep, which are compiled by Animal Health Australia, provide a guideline about working dogs.     

Here we clarify what this means for producers accredited with LPA, Australia’s key red meat quality assurance program. 

1. What is an Animal Welfare Management Plan (AWMP)? 

The Animal Welfare Management Plan (plan) is a recent addition to the Animal Welfare module of the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program. A new tool is now available in LPA to help producers complete their plan which will be tailored to their farm.  

The Animal Welfare Management Plan underscores the importance of animal welfare and aims to give consumers greater confidence in livestock production practices by: 

• Formalising on-farm animal welfare practices; and
• Ensuring alignment with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for cattle, sheep and goats.   

Producers develop their plans to reflect their business by answering a series of questions in the LPA Self-Assessment tool when seeking accreditation or reaccreditation. This strengthens and demonstrates alignment with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. A plan can also be completed at any time by visiting the ‘Record Keeping’ section of the LPA program. 

2. Do the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep restrict the use of working dogs? 

No. The guidelines for sheep state: The use of dogs and handling aids should be limited to the minimum needed to complete the task. 

Many producers already meet this practice - when completing an Animal Welfare Management Plan these producers can tick ‘yes’.  

3. Has there been a recent change to the stance on working dogs in the welfare standards? 

No. The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep (Edition 1, Version 1) were endorsed in 2016. There have been no updates since then.  

4. What does the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program stipulate about the use of working dogs when handling livestock? 

LPA is Australia’s on-farm red meat quality assurance program in which producers gain accreditation. LPA requires producers to document and provide evidence of their on-farm management practices.  

Since 2017 it has been a requirement of LPA that livestock be managed in accordance with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. Now, when completing an Animal Welfare Management Plan, producers are asked questions that align to the standards.

5. What questions are asked in relation to working dogs as part of the Animal Welfare Management Plan? 

The questions in the Animal Welfare Management Plan are aligned to the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. Producers can tick the boxes that apply to their farm practices.  

The question asked in relation to working dogs is: What actions do you undertake when handling livestock?  

And, if applicable to their farm, producers can indicate that they use dogs appropriately or that they do not use dogs. 

6. How do I know if I’m meeting the guidelines?  

The principles of good husbandry are outlined in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep (Edition 1, Version 1). The focus is on the welfare of animals. This applies to the use of working dogs. 

7. I need more information and help completing Animal Welfare Management Plan? 

Producers can contact ISC’s Customer Service team seven days a week on 1800 683 111 or by emailing info@integritysystems.com.au if assistance is required. The Customer Service Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm (AEST) and on weekends from 9am to 5pm (AEST).