West Australians representing a wide range of sectors including agribusinesses, sporting groups, charitable organisations, local governments, academic institutions, the veterinary profession, and animal rescue groups have written to Premier Mark McGowan calling for the State Government to speed up animal welfare reforms.
The letter, which has 33 signatories, follows a landmark gathering of key stakeholder representatives and animal welfare experts which took place in Perth on 24 October.
The 2022 WA Animal Welfare Forum was organised by the Australian Alliance for Animals, a new national charity which brings together six of Australia's leading animal protection organisations to progress animal welfare reform at a state and federal level.
The forum discussed specific animal welfare concerns across five sectors – companion animals, wild animals, farmed animals, animals in sport and recreation, and legislation and enforcement.
Dr Bidda Jones AM, Director of Strategy and Research at the Australian Alliance for Animals said the forum was a progressive and lively discussion with the unanimous resolution that there is an urgent need for animal welfare reform in Western Australia.
"The letter to the Premier represents an amazing show of unity for animal welfare in WA, with people from farm animal, companion animal, wildlife, pest animals and animals in sport sectors coming together to call for better welfare outcomes for animals across the State," she said.
Those present at the forum expressed concern that animal welfare reforms proposed in a review of WA's Animal Welfare Act 2002 were taking too long to be implemented.
Dr Garnett Hall, President of the Australian Veterinary Association, WA Division said:
"The health and wellbeing of animals is important to every member of society. Modernising our laws to improve how we protect them is one of the most important things we must do."
Jo Harrison-Ward, Chairperson of Geo Bay Wildlife Rescue said:
"The long-awaited modernisation of animal welfare laws will provide much-needed integration with other Acts to improve the welfare of our native animals."
Representatives of farming groups and industries expressed a particular desire to see greater certainty and leadership from the State Government, which they said would lead to more investment in agriculture.
The review concluded almost two years ago and involved consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. To date only a few of the significant recommendations have been actioned.
"This letter clearly demonstrates to the Premier the strength of community support for prioritising the overhaul of the Act." Dr Jones said.
About us:
About the Australian Alliance for Animals The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national registered charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia's key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au
