ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY

Purpose

The Mullewa Muster & Rodeo (the MMR) is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare. This policy explains how we care for and protect animals used at our event, how we manage risks, and how we respond to concerns. Our aim is to ensure animals are treated humanely, respectfully and in line with industry standards and Western Australian law.

Scope

This policy applies to all animals used, displayed or kept on site for MMR events, and to everyone involved in their care and handling: committee members, stock contractors, competitors, volunteers, stallholders, contractors, and visitors.

Legal & Industry Framework (what we follow)

MMR operates in accordance with relevant laws and industry standards, including the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA), the WA Code of Practice for the Conduct of Rodeos, ABCRA animal welfare requirements and the national rodeo animal welfare standards/guidelines. These set minimum standards and help us protect animals, participants and the public. 

Our Commitments

  • Animals will be treated humanely, with care for their physical and behavioural needs at all times.

  • No animal will be subjected to abuse, cruel handling, or unnecessary stress. Inhumane treatment is prohibited and will be acted upon immediately. 

  • We will meet or exceed ABCRA and WA rodeo welfare standards and all applicable laws. 

  • We will plan and operate so that animals have adequate feed, clean water, shelter, rest and veterinary attention when needed. (For example, MMR purchases fresh hay the day before the event and performs thorough maintenance on water supplies and troughs prior to animals arriving.)

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Committee — overall responsibility for ensuring policy implementation, oversight, allocation of resources, and public communication.

  • Event Stock Contractor(s) — responsible for the day-to-day care, transport, stabling, feeding, watering and handling of animals while on site. Contractors must be approved by the Committee and comply with this policy and ABCRA/Code requirements.

  • Stock Handlers / Competitors — must follow handling best practice, ABCRA rules, and instructions from the stock contractor and MMR stewards.

  • Stewards / Welfare Officers — on-site officers (nominated by Committee) will monitor welfare, conduct inspections, and act on concerns.

  • All personnel — must report any animal welfare concern immediately to a Steward or the Committee.

Pre-Event Requirements & Arrival

  • All animals must be healthy and fit for purpose before travel. Injured or unwell animals must not be brought to the event unless under veterinary direction.

  • Arrival windows will be specified; unloading must be supervised by the stock contractor and stewards.

  • MMR buys fresh hay the day before the event to ensure animals are fed quality forage on arrival. Troughs, water systems and holding yards are checked and maintained by the Committee before arrival to guarantee clean, functioning water supplies. (Documented checks will be kept.)

Feed, Water & Accommodation

  • Animals must always have access to clean, adequate drinking water. Troughs will be cleaned and filled as a priority before and during the event; water supply maintenance is performed to ensure reliability.

  • Fresh hay is supplied as standard (purchased the day before the event) and additional feed is provided as required by the stock contractor.

  • Holding yards will be designed to minimise stress: non-slippery surfaces, appropriate space, shade/shelter and well-maintained fencing.

Handling, Equipment & Prohibited Practices

  • Handlers and competitors must use low-stress handling methods. Harsh, abusive or painful practices are prohibited.

  • The use of devices or methods that cause unnecessary pain, injury or distress is banned. Any items identified as unacceptable by ABCRA or relevant codes (e.g., unlawful use of gear or abusive tack) must not be used. 

  • Any person seen abusing an animal will be removed from the event and may face disciplinary action, referral to authorities, and ban from future events.

Veterinary Care & Emergency Response

  • A nominated veterinary contact(s) will be available for the event. For serious incidents, the on-site vet (or nearest emergency vet) will be called immediately.

  • Minor veterinary care (first aid) is arranged through the stock contractor or vet as required. All veterinary interventions will be recorded.

  • The Committee will maintain a clear emergency response plan for animal incidents (injury, sudden illness, escape) that includes safe handling, containment, vet contact, and public safety.

Movement & Transport

  • Transport of animals to/from the event must comply with relevant animal welfare regulations and best practice (rest, water, minimal travel stress). Stock contractors are responsible for humane transport arrangements. 

Monitoring, Inspections & Record Keeping

  • Stewards will conduct periodic welfare checks throughout the event and record findings. Records include arrival condition, feeding/watering logs, any treatments, incidents and outcomes.

  • The Committee and stock contractors will maintain records for audit, sponsor inquiries or regulator requests. Records will be kept securely and in line with record retention policy.

Incident Reporting, Investigation & Transparency

  • All concerns, incidents or complaints relating to animal welfare must be reported immediately to a Steward, the Committee, or via the MMR incident reporting channel (contact details below).

  • Reported incidents will be logged, investigated promptly, and corrective actions documented. Serious incidents may be referred to ABCRA, RSPCA WA, DPIRD or WA Police as required by law. 

  • MMR will be transparent about outcomes where appropriate, balancing transparency with privacy and legal considerations. We will aim to explain what happened and the steps taken to prevent recurrence.

Stock Contractor & Competitor Requirements

  • All stock contractors and any party providing animals must be approved by MMR and supply evidence of: appropriate animal handling experience, transport arrangements, current insurance, and willingness to comply with ABCRA and MMR animal welfare standards. 

  • Competitors must follow ABCRA rules and this policy. Non-compliance may result in immediate removal, disqualification, and banning from future events.

Complaints & Disciplinary Action

  • Complaints may be lodged with the Committee in writing or reported to on-site Stewards. All complaints will be investigated impartially.

  • Disciplinary actions can include warning, removal from event, prohibition from future events, and referral to authorities. Where fraud, dishonesty or criminal conduct is suspected, MMR will refer matters to the appropriate law enforcement or regulatory body.

Communications & Community Reassurance

  • MMR will proactively communicate our animal welfare standards to the community, participants and sponsors (for example, on the website, program, and signage).

  • We will highlight practical measures (fresh hay purchased day before, water system maintenance, approved stock contractors, veterinary arrangements) to reassure the public and media.

Continuous Improvement & Review

  • This policy and our practices will be reviewed annually (every 12 months) or sooner after any relevant incident, legislative change or ABCRA update. Reviews will be undertaken by the Secretary and/or Executive Assistant in consultation with the Committee.

  • We welcome feedback from the community, participants and animal welfare experts to improve our practices. 

Contacts (reporting & urgent welfare issues)

  • On-site Steward / Welfare Officer: Craig Moran

  • Secretary, the Mullewa Muster & Rodeo: Sammy Walton

  • Emergency Veterinary Contact: Onsite Vet 

  • ABCRA Contact / Reporting: ABCRA Head Office (see ABCRA website).

Glossary (plain English)

  • Steward / Welfare Officer — a person authorised by MMR to monitor animal care and enforce welfare rules on site.

  • Stock Contractor — the person or business engaged to provide, handle and care for livestock at the event.

  • Fit for Purpose — animals are healthy and capable of performing the activity without undue risk of injury or distress.

  • Inhumane Treatment / Abuse — any action that causes unnecessary pain, injury, fear or distress to an animal.

  • ABCRA — Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association; sets rodeo animal welfare standards for affiliated events. 

Key References & Resources