Introduction

A saleyard functions as a place to auction off farmed animals to the highest bidder, typically to farms or abattoirs. Existing in both physical and online spaces, they allow those in the animal agriculture industry to buy and sell farmed animals. 

In spite of the Saleyard Welfare Standards (2018), concerns are often raised over animal welfare in saleyards, including in relation to several animals being crammed into a small pen, deprivation of food and water and a lack of shade during hot weather, which results in widespread heat stroke (ABC News). However, the drive to sell more animals at saleyards remains strong, with an approximate average of nineteen million sheep and six million cows sold through the national saleyard network (Australian Government: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).

The process

Prior to the auction, animals are placed in a truck, where they can spend several hours standing upright in very close proximity to each other. Vendors are often compelled to drive long distances to attend saleyards, especially if there is a belief that their efforts will yield a higher price. Once they arrive at their destination, farmed animals are led to their enclosure, directed by the salesyard manager, and are assessed whether they are 'fit to sale'. Those not considered 'fit' are slaughtered immediately. The Code of Practice lists the following as methods for 'humanely destroying' a seriously ill or injured animal:

• the use of a firearm
• the use of a captive bolt gun, followed by bleeding out (i.e. slitting the animal's throat)

The animals who are declared fit to sale are then bidded on by those who attend, which subsequently leads to them being prepared for transport once more.

Sheep at Ballarat saleyards, VIC (2017). Farm Transparency Project

Stressors

According to the Code of Practice, animals sold at saleyards encounter a vast number of stressful situations, including the following: 

• Yarding and handling
• Restricted access to food and/or water
• Exposure to extremes of weather
• Unfamiliar surroundings, noises and sensation
• Mixing with unfamiliar animals
• Exposure to infectious diseases

While these standards provide recommendations to reduce the harm inflicted, the enforcement of these procedures is significantly lax, as indicated by the steep increase of reported incidents of neglect and violence towards farmed animals.

References 

• https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-03-08/boyanup-saleyard-lease-renewed-animal-welfare-concerns/102065274
  
  
• https://www.mla.com.au/extension-training-and-tools/resource-hubs/transport-hub/information-for-saleyards/
  
  
• ​​https://animalwelfarestandards.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AAW-SG_Livestock-at-Saleyards-and-Depots_2018.pdf
  
  
• https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/animal-plant/animal-health/livestock-movement/saleyards-movement-ead.pdf
  
  
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-16/cow-shooting-animal-welfare-concerns-boyanup-saleyard/105393516