What it does
The Veterinary Chemical Control and Animal Feeding Stuffs Act 1976 (WA) (the Act) is a regulatory framework that controls three interlocking areas of primary production and animal health. First, it governs the production, importation, storage, labelling, advertising, and sale of animal feeding stuffs , defined broadly in section 5(1) as any substance intended for consumption by animals other than domestic pets like dogs, cats, and pet fish or birds not destined for human consumption or egg laying. This includes basic feed, manufactured stock food, additives, supplements, and by-products. Second, the Act controls the use of veterinary chemical products in stock and regulates the sale of stock, stock products, and carcasses that have been treated with those products. Third, Part VA (sections 36AA to 36D) regulates prescribed substances , typically growth-promoting chemicals , applicable to cattle or other animals prescribed by regulation. The Act’s long title (inserted by No. 76 of 2004 section 3) confirms its threefold purpose: controlling veterinary chemical product use; regulating sale of treated stock and carcasses; and controlling production and sale of animal feeding stuffs. It applies to products produced in or imported into Western Australia and sold in the State, whether by wholesale or retail (section 6(1)). The Governor may by Order in Council exempt any product or stock from the Act or any specified provision (section 7), and may also by regulation prohibit the sale of animal feeding stuffs or ingredients that are potentially harmful, either absolutely or subject to conditions (section 8(1)). The Act is explicitly subject to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Western Australia) Act 1995 where any inconsistency arises in respect of veterinary chemical products (section 6(4)), and is in addition to, not in derogation of, the , the , the , and the ; those Acts prevail to the extent of any inconsistency (section 9). The Director-General of the Department of Agriculture (the Director) is responsible for administration, subject to the Minister, and the Minister may give written directions regarding Part VA functions which must be included in the Department’s annual report (section 10).