THERE are plenty of good news stories coming from the saleyards industry right across Australia, but the animal welfare story at Central West Livestock Exchange, Forbes, is up there with the best.
The modern saleyards was recognised last week at the National Saleyards Expo for its commitment to the welfare of all animals that pass through its facility.
When most people think about animal welfare in saleyards, it's the cattle and sheep that come to mind, but the saleyards at Forbes has taken the focus further to include the working dogs.
This has helped earn the saleyards the prestigious Animal Welfare in Saleyards and Lairages Award.
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"The Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange has a throughput of up to 45,000 head of livestock on any one time," Forbes Shire Council general manager Steve Loane said.
"Dogs are working in extreme conditions. There was an urgent need for a safe place to keep dogs at the Central West Livestock Exchange."
NSW Yard Dog Association president Ed Wall said a lack of shade, water, and shelter at saleyards was problematic for the dogs' welfare.
That's why Central West Livestock Exchange built a dog run to enable truck drivers to let their dogs have a run while they are waiting to unload or load. The dog run gives the working dogs access to fresh water and shelter in a purpose-built, secure yard."We are pleased to be the first to provide a service that not only helps our heavy vehicle transport industry, but our farmers as well," Mr Loane said.
This was just one of the initiatives that helped the saleyards win the Animal Welfare in Saleyards and Lairages Award.
- A full report on the award and a comprehensive wrap of the National Saleyards Expo will appear in August 15 issue.
