New welfare rules for pig industries

New animal welfare regulations for Western Australia's pork industry have been introduced by the state government.

Under the new regulations pork producers will have to provide new minimum space for pig enclosures, only allow a sow to be kept in a farrowing crate for six weeks and from 2017 limit the time a pregnant sow can be kept in a stall to six weeks.

Acting Local Government Minister Bill Marmion said the new regulations reflect all State and Territories' desire to have a nationally consistent approach to the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare standards.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the regulations followed from a national consultative process which involved peak pig industry bodies, including the WA Pork Producers' Association.

"The national consultation process aims to ensure acceptable and agreed standards of livestock welfare are practiced in Australia," Mr Redman said.

A $2,500 maximum penalty applies under the new regulations and comes into effect as soon as the regulations are gazetted.