With a potentially difficult winter ahead for many producers and managers in the south, it is important to remember duty of care to cattle.

Most cattle producers take good care of animals under their charge.

It’s their nature and the reason they like working with livestock - and makes the best marketing sense - but in tough times, animal welfare may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

In 1965 the British government reviewed the welfare of farm animals and established "five freedoms of animals".

The principles are acknowledged today in major livestock producing countries and backed up in NSW by legislation such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979).

Originally the five freedoms were to do with the space requirements of intensive animals, and were later modified.

They established that managers of all animals must ensure they provide:

• Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
• Freedom from discomfort - by providing a suitable environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Freedom to express normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind.
• Freedom from fear and distress - these are basic requirements and producers should ensure they are provided.

Sometimes during tough times like drought, some producers let their responsibility slip a little.

The RSPCA takes a dim view and under the Act will intervene to look after animals not being well treated.

Unfortunately, some producers let their cattle lose too much condition.

This, combined with some cold wet weather has an effect on animals’ welfare.

Young animals and cows with young calves are particularly prone.

Unfortunately Rural Lands Protection Board and NSW Department of Primary Industries staff sometimes find themselves called in by the RSPCA to assist in welfare cases.

It’s not pleasant on anybody but the bottom line is that the animals should not be mistreated.