Queensland citizens draw to the attention of the House the lack of laws requiring shade and shelter for farm animals kept outdoors in Queensland. Shade and shelter allow animals to cope with climatic extremes that occur throughout the year and are basic animal welfare requirements that should be made mandatory in legislation. The sight of farmed animals standing in open paddocks in the middle of summer with no shade is unfortunately common throughout Queensland.

Dairy cows are particularly at risk of heat stress. There are over 400 registered dairy farms in Queensland. Studies show dairy cows look for shade when temperatures reach 25°C. The average annual temperature in many parts of Queensland is 29°C. In 2017 even southern regions such as Gatton recorded 141 days where temperatures reached over 30°C. Temperatures in these areas are predicted to increase in the future.

Dairy cows in these locations without shade are likely to experience heat stress throughout the year, impacting their health and wellbeing. Research also shows a higher mortality rate in calves subject to heat in their first week of life.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to insert mandatory requirements in the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 for adequate shelter for livestock kept outdoors, including a definition of 'adequate shelter', and to introduce penalties for owners and carers who fail to provide adequate shelter for their outdoor farm animals.