Intensive winter grazing typically involves farmed animals being ‘strip fed’ pasture or crop. This provides feed for animals while limiting pasture damage. However, when done poorly, there are a number of significant welfare concerns. Animals can churn the ground into mud, creating welfare risks including mastitis, lameness, and significantly reduced lying times resulting in chronic stress. In intensive winter grazing systems animals may not be able to display normal behaviours and can be exposed to cold stress due to a lack of lack of shade and shelter.

SPCA opposes intensive wintering grazing practices that result in poor welfare conditions. Well-drained areas prevent the accumulation of wet muddy ground conditions that have negative impacts to hoof health, resting, lying, and feeding behaviours.

SPCA advocates for regulations to be issued under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 that would require clean, well-drained lying areas; clean drinking water; and access to a suitable birthing area at least 14 days prior to giving birth.

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has recommended regulations that would require animals in intensive winter grazing systems to have clean, well-drained lying areas, access to clean drinking water, and that they must be moved to a suitable area at least 14 days prior to birth to prevent young animals being born in mud. SPCA advocates that these regulations should be issued as soon as possible.