South Australians are being encouraged to have their say on the on the state’s animal welfare laws as public consultation opens on the first significant review of the Animal Welfare Act in 15 years.

The Malinauskas government committed to reviewing the Act prior to last year’s election to ensure animal welfare standards are clear and enforceable.

The RSPCA has raised concerns that they are not able to prosecute some acts of cruelty due to weaknesses in the existing law. This includes puppy factories where animals are kept in filthy conditions, yet prosecutions are risky and expensive to run.

A YourSAy webpage and online survey provides the public with an opportunity to share feedback about how the laws work and how they could improve.

This comprehensive community consultation recognises the public increasingly expects animal welfare to be taken seriously.

The Department for Environment and Water will analyse all community feedback and provide a report of the outcomes to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water.

Consultation is open for contributions from today to Sunday 26 March 2023. All submissions must be provided through the online survey.

For more information and to participate: yoursay.sa.gov.au/animal-welfare-act-review

Quotes

Attributable to Susan Close

The state government’s review into the Animal Welfare Act gives South Australians a great opportunity to shape laws that determine the future care of animals.

We recognise this legislation needs updating to reflect community expectations that laws against cruelty should be enforceable.

The review is another example of the state government delivering on its election commitments and we look forward to the public’s participation.

Attributable to National Parks and Wildlife Service Director of Conservation and Wildlife Lisien Loan

South Australians are passionate about the welfare of our animals, from pets to wild species, and this review provides the ideal opportunity to provide their thoughts.

It is the most comprehensive review of the Animal Welfare Act undertaken in the past 16 years.

We are keen to hear from a broad cross-section of the community. You do not need specialist knowledge in animal welfare to participate in the survey.

Attributable to Paul Stevenson, CEO RSPCA South Australia

RSPCA is extremely pleased that the government has announced this review.

Last year, our organisation undertook a national assessment of animal welfare legislations which revealed that South Australia currently has the weakest legislated animal protections of any state in Australia.  

This opportunity to modernise our Act is therefore urgently needed.