Advocacy for animal welfare issues
The Society’s Animal Law Committee continues its advocacy on animal welfare issues, building on their work last year in relation to Dog and Cat Management laws, the passing of the new Animal Welfare Act 2025 and amendments to the Coercive Control legislation to include animal abuse as a form of coercive control.
The Society and the Animal Law Committee have expressed disappointment that the new Animal Welfare Act 2025 which passed in February 2025 still has not been commenced. This new Act followed significant community consultation and promised to provide the strongest protections for animals nationwide. The Minister advises that the delay is due to the development of new regulations, which are yet to be released for a period of public consultation.
In February, the Animal Law Committee provided detailed comment on the Dog and Cat Management (Breeder Reforms): Standards, Guidelines and Regulations. As is often the case with new legislation, the devil is in the detail of the regulations and standards that are developed to accompany the legislation. Anyone with an interest in the welfare of animals kept by breeders should have a look at the proposed Standards and Guidelines which will govern the care of these animals.
Keep an eye out for an article by Frankie Bray, Co-Chair of the Animal Law Committee, in the forthcoming edition of The Bulletin. Frankie discusses the importance of transparency in the making of new regulatory and policy frameworks.