Legislation

Several pieces of legislation directly affect the husbandry practices carried out by livestock owners in South Australia.

The Livestock Act 1997 (external site) and the Livestock Regulations 1998 (external site) made under the Act define and regulate disease management practices.

The Brands Act 1933 (external site) relating to the branding of horses, cattle and sheep was repealed by Schedule 2 cl 1(c) of the Livestock Act 1977.

The Branding of Pigs Act 1964 (external site) which provided for the branding of pigs was repealed by Schedule 2 cl 1(b) or the Livestock Act 1977.

The Controlled Substances Act 1984 (external site)  defines who is allowed to administer drugs and regulates or prohibits the manufacture, production, sale, supply, possession, handling or use of certain poisons, drugs, therapeutic and other substances, and of certain therapeutic devices.

The Veterinary Practice Act 2003  (external site) defines who can perform various husbandry practices and procedures. The Veterinary Practice Regulations 2005 (external site) made under the act cover three broad categories of responsibility for livestock husbandry and management:

  • Veterinarian only  These procedures are illegal to be performed except by a registered veterinarian
  • Under veterinary supervision  This can mean that either a procedure is performed by the owner while a veterinarian is present, or it can mean when a veterinarian dispenses a drug together with instructions for administration by the owner
  • Owner responsibility   Covers routine husbandry practices


Industry specific legislation

Chicken Meat Industry Act 2003 (external site) and the Chicken Meat Industry Regulations 2004 (external site)


Primary Industry Funds

The Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998 (external site) provides primary industries with a mechanism to generate resources for industry development activities.

Primary Industry Funds have been created for the following livestock industries:

  • Apiary industry
  • Cattle industry
  • Deer industry
  • Pig industry
  • Sheep industry

Animal welfare

The welfare of animals is covered by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1985 (external site) which is administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage.