Victorian Draft Animal Care and Protection Bill
Submission overview
The Australian Alliance for Animals has provided feedback to the Victorian Draft Animal Care and Protection Bill. In our submission, we emphasise the importance of modernising animal welfare legislation to reflect current scientific understanding and community expectations.
While the Bill contained many positive features like recognising animal sentience, introducing ministerial guidelines for decision-making, and a proactive duty of care to animals, we are concerned that some promising elements proposed in the New Animal Care and Protection Laws Plan did not carry through. Without addressing key deficiencies, such as the lack of independent governance, inconsistent decision-making principles, and wide-range of exceptions for harmful practices, the Bill will still fail to protect millions of animals.
This reform presents a unique opportunity to establish a robust framework for animal welfare, guided by evidence and accountability. In our submission, we propose 13 key recommendations for enhancing the Bill and aligning it with contemporary standards. Additionally, we support the submissions made by our members, including Animals Australia, Humane Society International Australia, and FOUR PAWS Australia, on specific reforms.
We remain committed to contributing to the ongoing refinement of the Bill and monitoring its progress towards creating a more compassionate and responsible approach to animal care and protection in Victoria.
Read our submission
In this submission, the Alliance for Animals puts forward 13 key recommendations to enhance the Bill and ensure it reflects current scientific understanding and community expectations.