Adherence to strict animal welfare standards is a “non-negotiable” requirement of doing business with JBS Australia.
The company’s southern livestock manager Steve Chapman said its livestock transport requirements ensured the company “ticked all the boxes” in controlling all aspects of the business.
“The transport requirements are just another leg of the transaction that we really need to hone in on,” Mr Chapman said.
“We need to make sure everyone is complying with the highest regulations in regards animal welfare.
“It’s about making sure everyone is on the same page and it’s black and white with no grey.
“There will be no chance for anyone to challenge the integrity of our programs around animal welfare because we have every box ticked.”
JBS Australia could have 50 to 60 truck movements a day and up to 100 during busy periods, he said.
Mr Chapman said the company had installed CCTV cameras in all its facilities.
The cameras operated at JBS sites and recorded activity in key livestock handling locations throughout lairages, such as unloading ramps and facilities.
“We won’t deviate from any rules or regulations and have had one person prosecuted in regards to a welfare breach,” Mr Chapman said.
“We take it very seriously,” he said.
The requirements were supported by organisations such as the Australian Livestock and Rural Products Association.
Mr Chapman said the scrutiny on the industry and its practices would not go away – it would only increase.
He said transport was an “exposure area” for social media and/or activist groups.
“It’s a high risk area because it’s exposed to the public,” he said.
“A lot of lambs have to come through major highways and through Melbourne.
“That daily scrutiny requires the highest form of compliance.”
JBS also required its vendors to make their livestock transport providers aware of the of the welfare requirements.
Everyone in the supply chain – from producers, agents, saleyards, livestock carriers and processors – had responsibilities to ensure the welfare of animals was consistent with prescribed standards, Mr Chapman said.
The standards were in place to ensure that the management and handling of livestock was not compromised through poor practices – whether deliberate or accidental.