Conducting Public Hearings
The Committee will investigate the welfare of farmed pigs in Victoria, including:
- existing regulatory frameworks and their promotion of pig welfare outcomes;
- methods used to stun pigs before slaughter;
- outcomes of the 2017 industry-led phase out of sow stalls;
- current pig breeding and housing practices; and
- international industry best practice standards.
On 25 May 2023, the Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed to the following self-referral motion:
That the Economy and Infrastructure Committee inquire into, consider and report by 31 May 2024 on farmed pig welfare in Victoria, in particular the Committee should consider:
(1) the scope, application, compliance with and enforcement of relevant existing regulatory frameworks and their ability to promote pig welfare outcomes;
(2) the ability of the most common methods used to stun pigs before slaughter (including electrical stunning and exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide gas) in Victorian slaughterhouses to minimise pain, suffering and distress and prevent injury, and available alternatives;
(3) the outcomes of the 2017 industry-led phase out on the use of sow stalls;
(4) current industry breeding and housing practices particularly the use of different forms of confinement;
(5) international comparisons to determine industry adherence to best practice standards; and
(6) any other relevant matter.
General enquiries
Write
Parliament of Victoria
Economy and Infrastructure Committee
Parliament House, Spring Street
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
Telephone
03 8682 2869