Victorian saleyards recently have come under fire by animal welfare groups, who are targeting the treatment of livestock and the condition of saleyard facilities.

Saleyards are public places and welfare groups have a right of entry, and need to be treated with respect.

Their focus will be on feeding post sale, water quality, and the unloading of livestock with on-farm injuries that have not been dealt with on farm, but have been sent to someone else, such agents to deal with, among other things.

The majority of industry, including producers, agents, transporters and saleyards, are proactive in ensuring that the welfare of animals is paramount, which it should be.

Unfortunately the actions, or inactions, of a few can result in enormous immediate repercussions for all.

To put your head in the sand and say it won't happen is ignorance.

Reminders of the Indonesian live export debacle should be unnecessary, and domestically the recent overnight closure of a Victorian abattoir are proof that drastic corrective actions will be imposed.

Under the Animal Care and Protection Act, those who have custody, control, or own animals have a duty of care to ensure their welfare.

That means as agents, if we receive them, we have a duty of care to fix any problems. Some saleyards are imposing a disposal fee for destroying unfit stock.

This financial penalty has delivered an effective message to producers to deal with these issues on farm and a reminder that saleyards are not a dumping ground for faulty stock. Do not reward cruelty by selling faulty stock, otherwise as an agent you face possible prosecution.

ALPA recently issued a warning for all members to review their animal welfare standards as a matter of urgency.

It is important that each saleyard objectively reviews their procedures and operating practices to ensure that they comply with appropriate standards, and that every saleyard employee and agent knows exactly what they should do when they encounter issues.