Self-Assessment Checklist
RESPONSIBLE LIVESTOCK OWNERSHIP
This checklist is designed as a guidance tool to assist owners with the minimum requirements involved in keeping
livestock on their property. These requirements are based on Councils’ local laws, as well as the objectives of Animal
Welfare and Ethics. Please refer to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for specific state legistation
relevant to the keeping of livestock.
Objective
Standards

Containment
Split posts rammed 2-3 feet deep
4 x strands of barbed wire for cattle or straight wire
for livestock
Containment is adequate to stop livestock going over,
under or through
Minimum standard tips
Wire fencing for goats, sheep and similar sized
animals with an increase in height (specifically for
goats)
For specific requirements relating to pigs, please
refer to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry for further information (www.daff.qld.gov.au)

Food and Water
Paddocks have sufficient grazing areas
(recommended 1-2.5 acres per animal)
Grazing
Fresh water is available at all times
Nutritionally balanced supplementary feeding is
available

Health and Hygiene
Established liaison with a veterinary practitioner
Routine and preventative treatment plan in place
Health and welfare of livestock is monitored regularly
to detect signs of disease, injury and distress with
treatment provided where necessary
Livestock are cared for to maximise their health and wellbeing and minimise health risks to other livestock and the
community
Signs of disease, abnormal behaviour and
unexpected deaths are immediately reported to the
Animal Disease emergency hotline 1800 675 888
Euthanasia is only used for the relief of incurable
illness, chronic pain and suffering and only performed
by a veterinarian
Isolation of sick animals and limited interaction with
non-trained professionals is required to limit possible
transmission
Ensure livestock are not exposed to long periods of
wet ground to reduce the chance of developing foot
rot
Basic knowledge of husbandry requirements for the
type of livestock you intend to keep
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Requirements
Property Identification Code
Waybills
All landholders that have livestock on their property
are required to register that property with Biosecurity
Queensland (www.daff.qld.gov.au)
A waybill is a form that describes the breed, sex and
brand of a livestock and includes the property of
origin and destination of the livestock. Waybills can
help trace the movements of animals in the event of a
pest or disease occurrence.
When do I need a waybill?
You do not usually require a waybill when you move
livestock within Queensland.
A livestock owner (or authorised agent of the owner)
must complete a waybill when:
 moving livestock across the cattle tick line
 transporting livestock to sale
 moving livestock to slaughter
 there is a change in livestock ownership
 a travel permit is issued
The original, fully completed waybill must always
travel with the livestock.
The duplicate copy of the waybill should be left at the
property of origin (where the livestock came from).
You must retain both copies for 2 years from the date
of travel.
A Biosecurity inspector or police officer may request
that you produce the waybill at any time throughout
the journey or at any reasonable time within the 2
year period.
How do I get a waybill?
You can purchase waybill books from any Biosecurity
service centre
Travel Permits
Travel permits allow certain livestock movements.
They set out conditions that you need to adhere to
when moving livestock to reduce the risk of spreading
diseases and pests. You must retain travel permits
for 2 years from the date of travel.
When do I need a travel permit?
You do not usually require a travel permit when you
move livestock within Queensland. You need one
when you move a livestock:


across the cattle tick line under an approved
scheme (exemption)
 during an emergency disease incursion, such as
Hendra virus or equine influenza
 to the RNA showgrounds in Brisbane
 interstate
 to a quarantine facility for export
How do I get a travel permit?
You can obtain a travel permit by either:
 calling the Customer Service Centre 13 25 23
 visiting your local Biosecurity service centre.
There are a number of approved schemes
(exemptions) to the general cattle tick movement
regulations, such as competition livestock or working
livestock.
Contact Biosecurity Queensland for further
information.
Owner Acknowledgement
I ……………………………………………..have reviewed and completed the above self assessment checklist. I
acknowledge I understand the responsibilities imposed upon me in accordance with Councils’ local laws and Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Date:
Signature: