Animal Welfare - Overview

Monday, October 6, 2008

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Legislation

Department of Local Government and Regional Development
Government of Western Australia

Animal Welfare - Overview

Animal Welfare

Overview
The Department of Local Government and Regional Development administers the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The Western Australian State Government is committed to the welfare and safety of all animals within society and has placed a high priority in ensuring that they are covered by appropriate standards of care and protection.

The Animal Welfare Act 2002 is the State’s most powerful legislation ever to provide for animal welfare. The Act provides a way forward to achieve better treatment of al animals in their relationships with people, without alienating the traditional rights of people to use animals for food, fibre, research, teaching and, very importantly, for companionship.

Major reforms resulting from the Act include the appointment of more than 170 General Inspectors and the licensing of scientific establishments for the use or supply of animals for scientific purposes.

The Department has also produced codes of practice that define what is regarded as acceptable treatment for animals in such activities as rodeos, circuses and in normal husbandry operations.

For further information on animal welfare, select on the relevant link below.

Further Information
Animal Welfare Act 2002 The Animal Welfare Act 2002 and the accompanying regulations, govern the treatment and welfare of animals in Western Australia. It has the power to enforce some of Australia’s harshest penalties for animal cruelty offences. View Animal Welfare Act 2002 »
General Inspectors Within the new the Act, power is provided for the appointment of general inspectors to assist in ensuring the proper, humane care and management of animals. View General Inspectors »
Using Animals for Scientific Purposes The Act requires that a Scientific User or Supplier License must be obtained through the Department of Local Government and Regional Development. For the first time establishments will be monitored and inspected. View Using Animals for Scientific Purposes »
Codes of Practice The Western Australian animal welfare codes of practice are based on national codes. All of these codes have been endorsed and are supported by the relevant livestock industries in Western Australia. The codes are intended to provide guidance on animal husbandry practices to anyone working with animals. View Codes of Practice »
Prescribed Forms Appeals and compensation forms can be downloaded from this link. View Prescribed Forms »