{"id":"tas:sr-2023-006","name":"Animal Welfare (Cattle) Regulations 2023","slug":"animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"6 of 2023","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":177094,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-2023-006-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> These regulations may be cited as the [Animal Welfare (Cattle) Regulations 2023](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2023-006) .","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> These regulations take effect on the day on which their making is notified in the *Gazette*.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> In these regulations –\n> \n> > ***calf*** means an animal of the genus *Bos* less than 6 months of age;\n> \n> > ***cattle*** means animals of the genus *Bos*;\n> \n> > ***cow*** means a female animal of the genus *Bos*;\n> \n> > ***humane killing*** – see [regulation 24](#GS24@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***yarding*** means the process of putting cattle into an enclosure.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of direct supervision","content":"### 4 Meaning of direct supervision\n\n> For these regulations, a person (the ***supervised person***) is acting under the direct supervision of another person, if that other person –\n> \n> > > (a) is on the same premises as the supervised person while the supervised activity is being undertaken; and\n> > \n> > > (b) provides instructions and guidance to the supervised person in relation to the supervised activity; and\n> > \n> > > (c) oversees and evaluates the performance of the supervised activity by the supervised person including conducting regular personal progress checks on the performance of the activity; and\n> > \n> > > (d) is able to render assistance immediately to the supervised person, if required, at any time during which the supervised activity is being undertaken.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Cattle Generally","content":"# Part 2 Cattle Generally","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Access to feed and water","content":"### 5 Access to feed and water\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must ensure that the cattle have reasonable access to adequate and appropriate feed and water.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Minimising harm","content":"### 6 Minimising harm\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of harm to the cattle from threats including, but not limited to, extreme weather conditions, disease and injury.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Handling and Management","content":"# Part 3 Handling and Management","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Handling of cattle","content":"### 7 Handling of cattle\n\n> A person handling cattle must not –\n> \n> > > (a) strike, punch or kick cattle; or\n> > \n> > > (b) lift cattle off the ground only by the head, ears, horns, neck or tail, except in an emergency; or\n> > \n> > > (c) drag cattle that are not standing, unless –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) it is an emergency; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) the dragging is for the minimum distance possible to allow safe handling, lifting, treatment or humane killing; or\n> > \n> > > (d) deliberately dislocate or break the tail of cattle; or\n> > \n> > > (e) use metal pellets to wound cattle as an aid to mustering.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Driving of cattle","content":"### 8 Driving of cattle\n\n> A person driving cattle must ensure that the cattle are given sufficient rest to ensure that the cattle do not collapse.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Use of dogs","content":"### 9 Use of dogs\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***bobby calf*** means a calf of the genus *Bos* that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) is less than 30 days of age; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) is not accompanied by its mother;\n> > \n> > > ***effective control***, of a dog by a person, means that the person is able to demonstrate that the dog is immediately responsive to the person's commands at all times.\n> \n> > (2)  A person must not use a dog to assist in the control, handling or movement of a bobby calf.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  A person may only use a dog to assist in the control, handling or movement of cattle that are not bobby calves, if the dog is under effective control.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Use of devices","content":"### 10 Use of devices\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***electric prodder*** means a handheld device used to deliver an electric shock.\n> \n> > (2)  A person must not use an electric prodder –\n> > \n> > > > (a) on the genital, anal or udder areas of cattle; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) on cattle that are unable to move away; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) in an unreasonable manner; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) unless there is a risk of harm to a person or animal, on –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the facial areas of cattle; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) calves less than 3 months of age.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tethered cattle","content":"### 11 Tethered cattle\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle that are tethered must ensure that the cattle are given adequate and appropriate exercise every day.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Inspection and Accommodation of Cattle","content":"# Part 4 Inspection and Accommodation of Cattle","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Inspection of cattle","content":"### 12 Inspection of cattle\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must ensure that the cattle are inspected to assess the health and well-being of the cattle, at such intervals and in such manner as is reasonable in the circumstances, having regard to the following:\n> \n> > > (a) the stocking density of the cattle;\n> > \n> > > (b) the availability of suitable feed;\n> > \n> > > (c) the reliability of water supply;\n> > \n> > > (d) the age of the cattle;\n> > \n> > > (e) the pregnancy status of the cattle;\n> > \n> > > (f) the climatic conditions;\n> > \n> > > (g) any other factors that are relevant in the circumstances.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Dairy cattle","content":"### 13 Dairy cattle\n\n> > (1)  In these regulations –\n> > \n> > > ***feed pad*** means an enclosed area used for the supplementary feeding of cattle.\n> \n> > (2)  A person who has the care or charge of a lactating dairy cow must ensure that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the cow is inspected at least once a day to assess its health and wellbeing; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) appropriate measures are taken to minimise the risk of harm to the cow from heat stress.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  A person who has the care or charge of dairy cattle that are kept on feed pads for extended periods must ensure that the cattle have access to a well-drained area for resting.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Facilities and equipment","content":"### 14 Facilities and equipment\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must ensure that any buildings, yards, enclosures, paddocks, ramps and other facilities and equipment used in the handling and keeping of the cattle are –\n> \n> > > (a) suitable for the purpose; and\n> > \n> > > (b) appropriately maintained; and\n> > \n> > > (c) operated or used in such a manner as to minimise the risk of injury to the cattle.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Calf-rearing systems","content":"### 15 Calf-rearing systems\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***calf-rearing system*** means an enclosed facility used for the rearing of one or more calves.\n> \n> > (2)  A person who has the care or charge of a calf in a calf-rearing system must ensure –\n> > \n> > > > (a) that the calf is provided with adequate food containing sufficient nutrients to prevent anaemia in the calf and to otherwise ensure the calf's good health and vitality; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) that the calf is given sufficient access to water each day to ensure the calf's good health and vitality; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) that the calf is inspected at least once a day to assess the calf's health and wellbeing; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) in the case of a calf housed in a pen, that the calf has sufficient room to be able to stand, and to lie down, with fully extended legs, and to turn around; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) in the case of a calf housed in an indoor calf-rearing system, that the housing is maintained in a condition that does not compromise the health and welfare of the calf.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cattle feedlots","content":"### 16 Cattle feedlots\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***cattle feedlot*** means a confined yard area with watering and feeding facilities where cattle are completely hand fed or mechanically fed.\n> > \n> > > ***cattle health management plan***, in relation to a cattle feedlot, means a plan, in writing, that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) contains an annual assessment of the potential risk of heat stress to the cattle kept in the feedlot; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) identifies potential health and biosecurity risks to the cattle; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) specifies action to prevent or minimise the risks assessed and identified under [paragraphs (a)](#GS16@Gs1@Nd204062@Hpa@EN) and [(b)](#GS16@Gs1@Nd204062@Hpb@EN) ; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (d) specifies measures and action to be taken in the event of –\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > > (i) a heat stress emergency; or\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (ii) a biosecurity emergency; or\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (iii) a failure or malfunction of the usual feeding and watering system; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (e) contains any other requirements specified by the Minister;\n> > \n> > > ***standard cattle unit*** means a unit equivalent to an animal with a live body weight of 600 kilograms.\n> \n> > (2)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle kept in a cattle feedlot must ensure that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) there is a minimum area of 9 square metres per standard cattle unit for each animal held in the feedlot; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) each day, the cattle are –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) inspected to assess the health and wellbeing of the cattle; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) given sufficient access to water and provided with adequate feed containing sufficient nutrients to ensure the good health and vitality of the cattle; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the feedlot has ready access to backup equipment or a system that may be relied on to provide feed and water to the cattle in the event of a failure or malfunction of the usual feeding and watering system; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the diet composition and quantities fed are recorded, and that those records are maintained for the duration of the period that each group of cattle occupies the feedlot; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) there is a cattle health management plan for the feedlot in respect of the cattle and the plan is implemented, when necessary in the circumstances, to ensure the health and vitality of the cattle; and\n> > > \n> > > > (f) the feedlot is cleaned and maintained to ensure that the yards, pens or other enclosures making up the feedlot can drain freely.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle kept in a cattle feedlot must ensure that, while calving, a cow and any calf produced are housed separately from other cattle in the feedlot.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Health, Breeding and Humane Killing","content":"# Part 5 Health, Breeding and Humane Killing","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Treatment of cattle","content":"### 17 Treatment of cattle\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must ensure that any of those cattle identified as being sick, diseased, injured or suffering from severe distress are, as soon as is reasonably practicable –\n> \n> > > (a) provided with such medical treatment or other assistance as is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances; or\n> > \n> > > (b) humanely killed.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Branding of cattle","content":"### 18 Branding of cattle\n\n> A person must not place a permanent brand on the head or neck of any cattle.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Castration of cattle","content":"### 19 Castration of cattle\n\n> > (1)  A person castrating cattle must –\n> > \n> > > > (a) have the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to undertake the procedure, or be under the direct supervision of a person who has such knowledge, experience and skills; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) use appropriate tools and methods to undertake the procedure.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (2)  Subject to [subregulation (3)](#GS19@Gs3@EN) , a person who has the care or charge of any cattle must ensure that castration is not carried out on an animal that is 6 months of age or older unless the animal is given a suitable analgesic or is anaesthetised.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  If the first yarding of an animal does not occur before the animal is 6 months of age, castration may be carried out on that animal without it being given a suitable analgesic or anaesthetic despite the fact that it is 6 months of age or older provided that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) castration is carried out at the first yarding of the animal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the animal is less than 12 months of age.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Dehorning and disbudding of cattle","content":"### 20 Dehorning and disbudding of cattle\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***dehorning*** means the removal of the horns of cattle;\n> > \n> > > ***disbudding*** means the removal of an area of skin including the horn bud in a calf prior to the solid attachment of the horn bud to the skull.\n> \n> > (2)  A person dehorning or disbudding cattle must –\n> > \n> > > > (a) have the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to undertake the procedure, or be under the direct supervision of a person who has such knowledge, experience and skills; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) use appropriate tools and methods to undertake the procedure.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  Subject to [subregulation (4)](#GS20@Gs4@EN) , a person who has the care or charge of cattle must ensure that dehorning is not carried out on an animal 6 months of age or older unless the animal is given a suitable analgesic or is anaesthetised.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (4)  If the first yarding of an animal does not occur before the animal is 6 months of age, dehorning may be carried out on that animal without it being given a suitable analgesic or anaesthetic despite the fact that it is 6 months of age or older provided that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) dehorning is carried out at the first yarding of the animal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the animal is less than 12 months of age.\n> \n> > (5)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must ensure that disbudding is not carried out on cattle by the use of caustic chemicals unless –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the animal is a calf that is less than 14 days of age; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the skin on the head of the calf is dry immediately before the commencement of the procedure and the skin is kept dry for at least 12 hours immediately after the procedure; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the calf is segregated from its mother for at least 4 hours immediately after the procedure.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Spaying of cattle","content":"### 21 Spaying of cattle\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must not allow a cow to be spayed unless that spaying is carried out by a veterinary surgeon.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Tail docking of cattle","content":"### 22 Tail docking of cattle\n\n> A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must not allow the tail of an animal to be docked unless the person has received veterinary advice that tailing docking in relation the animal is necessary to treat injury or disease.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > \n> > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Breeding management","content":"### 23 Breeding management\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***artificial breeding procedure*** includes the following procedures:\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) artificial insemination;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) oocyte collection;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) embryo transfer;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (d) semen collection, including by artificial vagina or electro-ejaculation;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (e) pregnancy diagnosis;\n> > \n> > > ***calving induction*** means the initiation of calving by hormonal treatment in a cow 3 weeks or more before the expected full-term calving date.\n> \n> > (2)  A person performing an artificial breeding procedure on any cattle must –\n> > \n> > > > (a) have the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to undertake the procedure, or be under the direct supervision of a person who has such knowledge, experience and skills; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) take reasonable steps to minimise pain, distress and injury to the cattle; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) use appropriate tools and methods to undertake the procedure.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  A person who has the care or charge of any cattle that are calving must ensure that the cattle are inspected to assess the health and wellbeing of the cattle, at such intervals and in such manner as is reasonable in the circumstances.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (4)  A person who has the care or charge of any cattle must not allow calving induction to be carried out unless under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (5)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must ensure that a calf born as a result of a calving induction, before the calf is 12 hours old, is either –\n> > \n> > > > (a) given adequate colostrum; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is humanely killed at the first reasonable opportunity.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"24","sectionType":"section","heading":"Humane killing","content":"### 24 Humane killing\n\n> > (1)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must not allow cattle to be killed unless the killing is carried out humanely by –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a veterinary surgeon; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a person who is suitably trained and experienced in the humane killing of cattle; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a person who is acting under the direct supervision of a person referred to in [paragraph (a)](#GS24@Gs1@Hpa@EN) or [(b)](#GS24@Gs1@Hpb@EN) .\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (2)  It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under [subregulation (1)](#GS24@Gs1@EN) if the defendant establishes that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the animal was humanely killed; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) it was not possible to find a veterinary surgeon or suitably trained person within a reasonable time; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the delay in waiting for a veterinary surgeon or suitably trained person would have caused unreasonable suffering to the animal.\n> \n> > (3)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must not allow a calf to be killed by a blow to the forehead unless –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the calf is less than 24 hours of age; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) no other suitable humane killing method is available.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n> \n> > (4)  For this regulation, humane killing occurs if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the animal is rendered suddenly unconscious; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the death of the animal occurs while it is unconscious; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the person carrying out the humane killing takes reasonable action to confirm the death of the animal.","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"Part 6","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 6 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"25","sectionType":"section","heading":"Infringement notices","content":"### 25 Infringement notices\n\n> For the purposes of the Act, the applicable penalty for an infringement notice issued in respect of an offence specified in column 1 of the table in [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) is –\n> \n> > > (a) in the case of an infringement notice issued to an individual, the penalty specified in column 2 of that table for the offence; and\n> > \n> > > (b) in the case of an infringement notice issued to a body corporate, the penalty specified in column 3 of that table for the offence.","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Infringement noti","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Infringement notices","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Infringement noti SCHEDULE 1 - Infringement notices\n\n[Regulation 25](#GS25@EN)\n\n|  | Offence | Penalty (Individual)Penalty units | Penalty(Body corporate)Penalty units |\n| 1. | Regulation 5 | 2 | 10 |\n| 2. | Regulation 6 | 2 | 10 |\n| 3. | Regulation 7 | 2 | 10 |\n| 4. | Regulation 8 | 2 | 10 |\n| 5. | Regulation 9(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 6. | Regulation 9(3) | 2 | 10 |\n| 7. | Regulation 10(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 8. | Regulation 11 | 2 | 10 |\n| 9. | Regulation 12 | 2 | 10 |\n| 10. | Regulation 13(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 11. | Regulation 13(3) | 2 | 10 |\n| 12. | Regulation 14 | 2 | 10 |\n| 13. | Regulation 15(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 14. | Regulation 16(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 15. | Regulation 16(3) | 2 | 10 |\n| 16. | Regulation 17 | 2 | 10 |\n| 17. | Regulation 18 | 2 | 10 |\n| 18. | Regulation 19(1) | 2 | 10 |\n| 19. | Regulation 19(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 20. | Regulation 20(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 21. | Regulation 20(3) | 2 | 10 |\n| 22. | Regulation 20(5) | 2 | 10 |\n| 23. | Regulation 21 | 2 | 10 |\n| 24. | Regulation 22 | 2 | 10 |\n| 25. | Regulation 23(2) | 2 | 10 |\n| 26. | Regulation 23(3) | 2 | 10 |\n| 27. | Regulation 23(4) | 2 | 10 |\n| 28. | Regulation 23(5) | 2 | 10 |\n| 29. | Regulation 24(1) | 2 | 10 |\n| 30. | Regulation 24(3) | 2 | 10 |\n\nDisplayed and numbered in accordance with the *[Rules Publication Act 1953](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1953-050)*.\n\nNotified in the *Gazette* on 8 March 2023\n\nThese regulations are administered in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.","sortOrder":31}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument stays within the expected scope of cattle-focused animal-welfare regulation: it prescribes care, handling, accommodation, health, breeding and humane-killing standards for cattle and sets penalties and an infringement schedule. It does not materially expand into unrelated policy areas (for example trade regulation, property-taxes, or non-cattle species). The regulations add operational detail (feedlot planning, space minimums, veterinary/analgesia requirements) but those are consistent with the core welfare purpose rather than representing a substantive scope shift."},"complexity_factors":["Approximately 15–20 expressly defined terms across the instrument (interpretation and in-regulation definitions such as 'calf', 'bobby calf', 'electric prodder', 'cattle feedlot', 'cattle health management plan', 'standard cattle unit', 'artificial breeding procedure', 'calving induction', 'dehorning', 'disbudding').","Multiple cross-references between regulations (e.g. interpretation cites reg 24; regs 19 and 20 refer to 'first yarding' exceptions).","Several conditional exceptions and qualifications (e.g. analgesia/anaesthesia exceptions at reg 19(3) and reg 20(4); emergency defence in reg 24(2); limited allowance for killing calves under 24 hours at reg 24(3)).","Mixture of prescriptive and open-textured standards: fixed minimums (9 m2 per standard cattle unit in reg 16(2)(a)) alongside 'reasonable' and 'appropriate' duties (regs 6, 12, 14).","Record-keeping and planning obligations with specified content and Ministerial addition power (reg 16(1)(b)-(e) and (1)(e) allowing Minister-specified items).","Parallel penalty regime with high maximum fines in each regulation plus a separate, lower infringement-notice schedule (reg 25 and Schedule 1), creating dual enforcement tracks.","Repeated duplication of the same maximum penalty amounts across many provisions increases reader load but not legal novelty.","Enforcement-relevant procedural detail left to the parent Act (e.g. how authorised officers act; penalty unit value), requiring cross-reference to other legislation for a full operational picture."],"plain_english_summary":"**What these regulations do (mechanics)\n\n- Set minimum animal-welfare rules that apply specifically to cattle (including calves and cows). Key topics covered are access to feed and water (reg 5), reducing risks from weather/disease/injury (reg 6), handling and movement (Part 3), inspection and accommodation (Part 4), health and breeding practices (Part 5) and humane killing (reg 24).\n\n- Create duties for any person who \"has the care or charge\" of cattle (this will include farm owners, managers, contractors and workers). Where duties are breached, the regulations prescribe fines and a lower-value infringement-notice option mapped out in Schedule 1 (reg 25 and Schedule 1).\n\n- Impose prescriptive rules and some performance standards. Examples:\n  - Minimum access to adequate feed and water (reg 5). \n  - Daily inspections and attention where appropriate (regs 12, 13(2), 15(2), 16(2)(b)).\n  - Specific handling prohibitions, e.g. no striking or lifting by head/ears/tail except in emergency (reg 7); rules on using dogs (reg 9); limits on electric prodders (reg 10).\n  - Feedlot-specific rules: minimum space per \"standard cattle unit\" (9 m2 per 600 kg equivalent), written cattle health-management plans with required content, backup feeding/watering equipment, record-keeping of diet (reg 16).\n  - Veterinary or training requirements for surgical or welfare-sensitive procedures (castration, dehorning, artificial breeding, spaying) and requirements for analgesia or anaesthesia in specified circumstances (regs 19–23).\n  - Rules on humane killing: who may perform it, what counts as humane killing, a limited emergency defence, and a specific narrow allowance for killing very young calves by blow to the forehead (reg 24).\n\n- Enforcement and penalties: most breaches carry maximum fines (up to 50 penalty units for individuals, 100 for corporations) but many offences are listed in Schedule 1 for infringement notices at a lower flat rate (typically 2 penalty units for individuals; 10 for corporations) (reg 25 and Schedule 1).\n\n\nWho is affected\n\n- Primary: people and businesses that keep, handle, transport or manage cattle — farmers, feedlot operators, stock contractors, abattoir staff, livestock transporters and farm workers.\n- Service providers: veterinary surgeons and people who perform husbandry procedures (must be suitably trained or supervised) and suppliers of animal-handling equipment (because of suitability/maintenance requirements).\n- Corporate owners: corporations face higher maximum fines than individuals and higher infringement-unit amounts (Schedule 1).\n\n\nWhy it matters (official purpose, then practical effects and trade-offs)\n\n- Officially, the regulations aim to raise and standardise cattle welfare by prescribing minimum care, handling, accommodation, treatment and humane-killing procedures.\n\n- Costs and incentives for regulated parties:\n  - Direct compliance costs: record keeping for feedlots (reg 16(2)(d)), written cattle health-management plans with specified content (reg 16(1)), backup feeding/watering systems (reg 16(2)(c)), daily inspection requirements (regs 12,13(2),15(2),16(2)(b)), and potential veterinary costs for analgesia/anaesthesia or veterinary-supervised procedures (regs 19,20,21,23). These raise labour, equipment and veterinary expenditure.\n  - Behavioural incentives: the regs incentivise earlier detection and treatment of sickness (reg 17), separation of calving cows in feedlots (reg 16(3)), and use of trained staff or supervision for risky procedures (regs 19,20,23). They deter particular handling practices (reg 7) and constrain use of devices (reg 10).\n  - Effects on production and productivity: minimum space per animal (reg 16(2)(a)) and extra downtime for inspections or segregation may reduce stocking density and increase per-animal costs, with possible productivity trade-offs in intensive systems. Conversely, regular health checks and contingency planning (reg 16) may reduce losses from heat stress, disease or equipment failures.\n\n- Enforcement and compliance uncertainty:\n  - Many duties are phrased as taking \"reasonable steps\" or inspecting \"as is reasonable in the circumstances\" (regs 6, 12, 15, 23(3)). That creates flexible standards but also enforcement uncertainty and potential for variable interpretation by inspectors or courts.\n  - The Minister can add items to a feedlot's cattle health-management plan (reg 16(1)(e)), which introduces administrative discretion about required measures.\n\n- Distribution of costs and benefits:\n  - Costs are concentrated on cattle owners/operators who must change practices, purchase equipment or engage veterinary services (see regs 16, 19–23). \n  - Benefits (improved welfare outcomes) are diffuse and accrue to animals and to consumers or markets that value welfare but are not directly captured by the regulated party.\n\n\nWho pays, who decides, and what behaviour changes (plain statements)\n\n- Who pays: the person or body corporate that \"has the care or charge\" of cattle pays for compliance costs and risk of fines. Corporations face higher maximum penalties than individuals (see Schedule 1 and penalty clauses across regs).\n- Who decides: regulated persons decide daily animal-care actions (inspections, feeding, separation). Veterinary surgeons or suitably trained persons decide and perform some procedures; the Minister retains specification power for feedlot plans (reg 16(1)(e)). Enforcement decisions are made by authorised officers under the Act (enforcement mechanism under the parent Act, not repeated here).\n- Behaviour changes required: more frequent inspections, written planning and record-keeping for feedlots, changed handling methods (no striking, no tail-breaking), limits on use of dogs/electric prodders, veterinary involvement or analgesia for specified procedures, and documented contingency measures for feed/water failures.\n\n\nImplementation risks and compliance burden\n\n- Administrative burden: written plans, diet records, and contingency systems for feedlots (reg 16) increase paperwork and capital requirements.\n- Legal uncertainty: repeated use of \"reasonable in the circumstances\" is flexible but may increase disputes about compliance standards (reg 12, etc.).\n- Discretion: the Minister can add requirements to feedlot plans (reg 16(1)(e)); enforcement and choice of infringement versus prosecution gives regulators discretion.\n\n\nBottom line\n\n- The regulations establish a set of enforceable minimum welfare standards for cattle, combining prescriptive rules (space, prohibition on certain acts) with performance standards (reasonable inspection, contingency planning). They reallocate costs to animal keepers through direct compliance obligations and potential fines, while leaving customary regulatory discretion and some open-textured standards for enforcement. Relevant provisions: regs 5–24, reg 25 and Schedule 1."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears focused on its original purpose of regulating cattle welfare across various husbandry contexts. While it covers diverse settings (extensive grazing, dairy, feedlots, calf rearing), this breadth appears to be the intended scope rather than scope creep. The instrument is a standalone regulation under an Animal Welfare Act, covering the specific animal type (cattle) as indicated by its title."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested exceptions in surgical procedure regulations (Regulations 19 and 20), where the general rule requiring pain relief for animals 6+ months has an exception for first yarding before 12 months","Cross-references between regulations (e.g., 'humane killing' defined in Regulation 24 but referenced elsewhere; 'direct supervision' defined in Regulation 4 and used in Regulations 19, 20, 23, and 24)","27 defined terms scattered across the instrument (some in dedicated interpretation section, others embedded within specific regulations)","Conditional logic in multiple provisions (e.g., Regulation 10 on electric prodders has four separate prohibitions with nested conditions; Regulation 24 has a three-part defence provision)","Dual penalty structure repeated 30+ times (body corporate vs individual), though this is formulaic rather than complex","Specific technical requirements in feedlot regulation (Regulation 16) including space calculations (9 square metres per standard cattle unit) and mandatory written plans with five specific components"],"plain_english_summary":"This legislation sets out the rules for how cattle must be treated in Tasmania. It applies to anyone who owns, manages, or works with cattle—including farmers, stock handlers, and agricultural businesses.\n\n**What it covers:**\n\n- **Basic care**: Cattle must have access to adequate food and water, and be protected from extreme weather, disease, and injury.\n\n- **Handling rules**: You cannot hit or kick cattle, drag them when they're down (except in emergencies), lift them by their head or tail, or use electric prodders on sensitive areas like the face or genitals. You also can't use dogs on very young calves (under 30 days old without their mother).\n\n- **Housing and facilities**: Buildings, yards, and equipment must be well-maintained and safe. Tethered cattle must get daily exercise. Calves in rearing facilities need enough room to stand, lie down, and turn around.\n\n- **Special rules for intensive farming**: \n  - **Dairy cows** must be inspected daily and protected from heat stress.\n  - **Feedlots** must provide at least 9 square metres per 600kg animal, have backup feeding systems, and maintain written health management plans.\n\n- **Surgical procedures**: \n  - Castration and dehorning of older animals (6+ months) generally requires pain relief, unless the animal is being handled for the first time before 12 months of age.\n  - Spaying must be done by a vet.\n  - Tail docking is banned except on veterinary advice to treat injury or disease.\n  - Artificial breeding and calving induction must be done by skilled people or under direct supervision.\n\n- **Humane killing**: Cattle must be killed humanely—rendered unconscious instantly and confirmed dead—by a vet, trained person, or someone under their direct supervision. There's an emergency defence if waiting for a trained person would cause unreasonable suffering.\n\n**Why it matters**: These regulations put legal obligations on people responsible for cattle welfare, with fines up to 100 penalty units for companies and 50 for individuals. Most offences can also be dealt with via infringement notices (2 penalty units for individuals, 10 for corporations). The rules aim to prevent cruelty, ensure proper care in intensive farming systems, and mandate pain relief for painful procedures."},"summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Insufficient content was provided to determine whether the scope of the regulations changed from their original intent. The document only contains status and administrative metadata, not the substantive provisions needed to assess scope drift."},"complexity_factors":["Only administrative metadata was provided — no operative regulatory content was available to analyse","Regulations of this type typically involve technical animal husbandry standards that require specialist knowledge to interpret","Interaction with parent Animal Welfare Act adds a layer of cross-referencing complexity","Tasmanian-specific application means readers must distinguish these rules from national livestock standards","Amendment history suggests potential changes over time that readers must track"],"plain_english_summary":"## Animal Welfare (Cattle) Regulations 2023 (Tasmania)\n\n**What is this?**\nThis is a Tasmanian regulation specifically focused on the welfare of cattle. It sits beneath the parent *Animal Welfare Act* and sets out more detailed rules about how cattle must be treated in Tasmania.\n\n**Who does it affect?**\n- Cattle farmers and graziers in Tasmania\n- Anyone involved in transporting, handling, or working with cattle (e.g. stockpeople, abattoir workers, livestock agents)\n- Veterinarians dealing with cattle\n- Inspectors and enforcement officers\n\n**Why does it matter?**\nRegulations like this typically set **minimum standards of care** for cattle — covering things like feeding, watering, shelter, handling, transport conditions, and what counts as cruelty or neglect. Breaching these rules can result in fines or prosecution.\n\n**Important caveat:** The document provided contains only administrative and status information (date of commencement, amendment history, responsible minister details). The **actual substantive content** of the regulations — the specific rules and obligations — has not been included in the text provided. A full analysis of what the regulations *require* cannot be completed without the operative provisions."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023","history":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023/history","analysis":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-cattle-regulations-2023/documents"}}