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RSPCA Australia welcomes stronger protections for animals and victim-survivors of domestic and family violence

RSPCA Australia has welcomed the amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) that came into effect this week and will support people and their pets affected by domestic violence.
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  • RSPCA Australia
  • Friday, 13 June 2025
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RSPCA Australia has welcomed the amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) that came into effect this week and will support people and their pets affected by domestic violence.

In October 2024, RSPCA Australia made recommendations to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee to strengthen the laws regarding the protection of animals affected by domestic and family violence.

Two of these recommendations were to recognise companion animals under the law (rather than as property) and to consider violence and abuse when determining pet custody.

Dr Suzanne Fowler, Chief Scientific Officer of RSPCA Australia said that the changes to these laws are a positive step in protecting victim-survivors and companion animals from further abuse.

“The RSPCA is pleased that these laws come into effect this week and will limit the ability of perpetrators to use family pets against their victim-survivors.

“We know that animals have been used as objects of coercive control by perpetrators contending ownership and custody of a pet.

“Their newfound recognition under the Act guarantees that no animal will ever be a forgotten victim of domestic violence.”

These new laws coming into effect coincide with the publication of the latest episode of RSPCA Australia’s Great and Small talk podcast, which focuses on the topic of animals in domestic and family violence situations.

The episode, hosted by Brian Daly, covers this important issue in depth, including the impact domestic violence can have on animals, the legal protections and loopholes afforded to them and the resources available for both humans and their pets to assist them in staying together safely.

Featured in the podcast is Dr Lauren Roberts, RSPCA Victoria’s Community Outreach Manager, Dr Ann-Margret Withers, RSPCA NSW’s Senior Manager for Outreach, Education and Crisis Support Programs and esteemed barrister and media personality Gina Liano.

The guests on the program discussed the link between family violence and cruelty to animals.

Most state and territory RSPCAs have special programs to help support those affected by domestic and family violence through provision of emergency animal boarding and other services. The RSPCA would like to see an expanded investment in resources to help keep victim survivors and their animal companions together through times of crisis.

More information can be obtained by contacting the RSPCA in each State regarding support for families with companion animals who are affected by domestic violence.

RSPCA Australia will continue to advocate for further changes to family law to protect victim-survivors and their companion animals.

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