Animal Welfare Auditing
What is the course about?
The course covers the background of the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System, along with all the standards as set out within the AMIC Animal Welfare Standards for Livestock Processing Establishments - Preparing Meat for Human Consumption, and ultimately maintaining sound animal welfare practices during processing.
Over the course of the two days, we will cover the following topics:
- Relevant animal welfare regulations and standards
- Transport and unloading arrangements
- Treatment of livestock during lairage
- Stunning and slaughter practices of livestock
Animal welfare monitoring, internal auditing, corrective and preventative action
It will also provide auditors with the knowledge and skills to be able to conduct both an internal or external audit of a meat processing establishment against the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System.
Keep in mind, this is not a course that trains you in the principles of auditing, but rather a course that has been specifically setup to train existing auditors in the requirements of the AMIC animal welfare standard.
What do I do if I need to cancel my booking?
Please contact AUS-MEAT immediately to avoid any cancellation fees. Full payment is required no later than 5 days prior to the commencement of training. A 50% cancellation fee will apply on cancellations received less than 10 working days prior to commencement of training.
NO refunds are given for cancellations received less than 5 working days prior to the commencement of training. Any transfers between courses will incur a $100 fee on each instance.
What your course fees cover
Your courses fees paid cover the following items:
- Course tuition
- Facility hire
- Workbooks and assessments
- Morning tea and lunch
- Issue of certificate
Other Information
The AAWCS program has been specifically set up to allow processors to use a range of approved auditors. However, to ensure a level of integrity in the program, auditors who can conduct AAWCS verification audits, no matter which company they work for must be suitably qualified and approved by AUS-MEAT against criteria for competency (Knowledge & Skills) and experience. This ensures there is a consistent standard of auditing of the AAWCS requirements across establishments thus protecting the integrity of the program and participants from potential inconsistencies.
At the end of this training if you choose to become an AUS-MEAT Approved Animal Welfare Auditor the following requirements apply:
- Hold personnel auditor certification i.e. Exemplar Global or equivalent.
- Complete Animal Welfare Auditor training (as above)
- Conduct a minimum of two (2) audits per species accompanied by an Approved Animal Welfare Auditor
- Be signed off by an Animal Welfare Skills Assessor during an audit for each species being applied for
Who should attend?
- Persons wishing to become an AUS-MEAT Approved Animal Welfare auditor.
- Any person who might be involved with the monitoring of the industry animal welfare standards at a meat processing facility (internal auditing)
- Any persons wishing to gain further knowledge of animal welfare standards and auditing at a meat processing establishment.
English is not my first language! Will I have problems?
All AUS-MEAT training courses are presented in English. A sound understanding of the English language is required. All workbooks and assessments are conducted in English. If required, the use of dictionaries or tablets are acceptable.
For any additional or special requirements please contact AUS-MEAT on (07) 3361 9200 to discuss what support services are available.
How will you be assessed?
During the training course participants will be required to complete several assessments, this will include a theory assessment based on the required knowledge, workplace assessment demonstrating the skills required of an animal welfare auditor. On completion of the training course all participants must conduct and submit an animal welfare audit based on the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS).
The assessments are as follows:
Assessment 1 - Practical in-course assessment
This will include review of findings whilst on plant and group presentations.
Assessment 2 -Theory assessment
This will be completed before you leave on day 2. This assessment will include both multiple choice as well as short answer questions.
Assessment 3 - Practical assessment post-Course
You must submit at the completion of the training in your own time, an animal welfare audit against the AMIC standard. AUS-MEAT will provide you with the audit tool to be completed during the training.
Issue of Certificates
To receive Statement of Attainment and meet the requirements of AMPA417 “Conduct an animal welfare audit of a meat processing plant” the following pre-requisite units must be completed.
- AMPLSK401 Oversee humane handling of animals
- AMPLSK201 Apply Animal Welfare handling requirement
- AMPX404 Conduct an internal audit of a documented program
Evidence of these units must be supplied to AUS-MEAT at commencement of training course. Where evidence cannot be demonstrated participants will be issued with a Certificate of Completion.
What are the course hours?
| DAYS | TIMES |
| 1st Day - Please arrive by: | 7:30am |
| Registration: | 7:45am |
| Course will commence at: | 8:00am |
| Finish: | 4:00pm |
| 2nd Day - Please arrive by: | 7:30am |
| Course will commence at: | 7:30am |
| Finish: | 4:00pm |
Do I need to bring anything?
You will need to bring the following to the course:
- Closed in shoe/boots - you'll be required to move through the livestock lairage facilities
- All protective clothing for entering production areas will be supplied by the hosting processor
Entry Requirements
To Obtain your Statement of attainment the follow pre-requisites need to be completed:
- AMPLSK401 (AMPA416) Oversee humane handling of animals
- AMPLSK201 (AMPA2006) Apply Animal Welfare handling requirement
- AMPX404 Conduct an internal audit of a documented program
At the course:
This is not an "attendance only" course. AUS-MEAT has set standards and expects all potential animal welfare auditors to meet the minimum standards. Your success depends largely on your own input into the course. The Trainer/s will assist you to develop studying techniques. Please feel free to ask the Trainer/s any questions during the course. Reviewing the day's material at night will help reinforce concepts introduced at the course.
The course will involve group activities and discussions, please participate enthusiastically.