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Otway Pork first to gain national RSPCA accreditation

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Winchelsea, VIC., March 11, 2005 – VICTORIA’S largest outdoor pig producer has become the first in Australia to achieve national RSPCA accreditation with its Otway Pork brand.

Pastoral Pork Company Managing Director Ian Farran said the accreditation recognised the company’s efforts in ensuring its pig farming methods met or exceeded the benchmark for humane pork production.

“Otway Pork was created to meet consumer demand for a product that was not only lean and tasty, but also safe and natural,” Mr Farran said.

 “Through this national RSPCA accreditation, our customers can have even more confidence that our product has been grown and prepared to exacting animal welfare standards.”

RSPCA Australia President Dr Hugh Wirth welcomed the steps taken by Otway Pork, saying that farm animals should be allowed freedom to express normal behaviour and be kept in an environment that avoids suffering.

“Many common practices in farming, such as the use of sow stalls and nose ringing with pigs as well as battery hen farms and live animal export, do not meet these basic requirements,” Dr Wirth said.

”Therefore, the RSPCA applauds any efforts by producers to improve the treatment and conditions for their animals.” 

“In this case, Otway Pork is from pigs raised in a free range system that allows them the freedom of movement, socialisation and mental stimulation that are integral to their welfare.”

Otway Pork is already acknowledged for its pig production standards and has enjoyed Victorian RSPCA accreditation for two years.

The new national RSPCA accreditation comes as Otway Pork prepares to launch its brand interstate.

The premium brand is currently available at more than 50 Coles supermarkets throughout Victoria, as well as specialist butchers and independent grocers.

Dr Wirth said the RSPCA accreditation system helped raise awareness of cruel farming practices, as well as providing viable alternatives and increasing demand for animal welfare friendly produce.

Under the accreditation agreement, Otway Pork will pay the RSPCA a two per cent royalty on wholesale sales.

The royalties are used by RSPCA to fund regular inspections of accredited properties, for the development of certification standards and in ongoing campaigns to improve farm animal welfare.

Further information about Otway Pork is available at www.otwaypork.com.au

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For further information, please contact:

Tanya Hollis

TiLT business communication

Mob: 0401 628 599