Media centre

RSPCA Australia welcomes updated Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, encourages public to engage in consultation

RSPCA Australia welcomes the Australian government’s commitment to developing its Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) and commends the strategy’s focus on science and evidence, stakeholder collaboration, and community expectations regarding the treatment of animals.

RSPCA Australia
Friday, 6 November 2026

Subscribe to our media centre

Australians are encouraged to submit feedback on the AAWS before the final Have Your Say window closes at 5pm AEDT on Friday 13 November, via an easy-to-use, RSPCA-developed microsite: www.rspca.org.au/AAWS-2026

The AAWS covers most animals in Australia including wildlife, companion and farm animals, animals used for research and teaching, animals used in sport and recreation, and aquatic species. It’s important this strategy is as strong as possible to provide better lives for Australia’s animals.

The RSPCA congratulates the government on some of the inclusions in the draft document, particularly its agreed definition of animal welfare, the recognition of sentience, and acknowledgement that we must move towards a future that achieves good animal welfare outcomes, not just the prevention of cruelty.

Richard Mussell, CEO of RSPCA Australia, said: “We encourage the government to be ambitious with this strategy. For too long now there has been no strategic direction or long-term investment in setting a pathway to improve animal welfare across Australia.

“Re-establishing Australia’s animal welfare strategy is a real chance to bring stakeholders together to discuss the ongoing challenges in animal welfare and collaborate on solutions, so Australia’s animals can live better lives.”

For those willing and able to make a submission as part of the consultation, the RSPCA is encouraging the public to support the strategy’s reestablishment and highlight four key areas that need early attention and commitment from the government.

First, RSPCA Australia wants the AAWS to prioritise establishing a faster, more effective process for developing and reviewing Standards and Guidelines that set minimum livestock welfare requirements. The Poultry Standards and Guidelines illustrate the problem: eight years of drafting, followed by endorsement of agricultural ministers in 2023 and yet, three years later, only one state has incorporated them into legislation.

Mr Mussell continued: “This slow, fragmented process leaves Australia lagging behind its international counterparts and puts our trade relationships at risk. AAWS must address this as a matter of priority.”

Second, funding for animal welfare research has declined significantly across several animal sectors over the past few years. The AAWS rightly highlights research, data collection and improved transparency in reporting as important opportunities across multiple sectors, but meaningful improvement in animal welfare will require greater investment and a stronger industry commitment to transparency.

Third, during a cost-of-living crisis and ongoing family and domestic violence concerns, the AAWS’ companion animal chapter recognises the importance of the human-animal bond, and the role pets play in the lives of vulnerable Australians. The proposed opportunity to integrate animal health and welfare into community planning is critical activity that needs to be mobilised as soon as possible.

And finally, to ensure success, the government must commit dedicated funding to the implementation of the strategy in 2027. The real benefits will come when the strategy is implemented, and stakeholders are working together to take meaningful action towards better welfare for Australia’s animals.

The AAWS, prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, aims to provide a national framework for collaboration on animal welfare issues of national significance, improving animal welfare outcomes through a modern, evidence- and science-based approach.

This is its third and final round of public consultation, and the last opportunity for Australians to identify areas of improvement in the final strategy.

The RSPCA encourages Australians to submit feedback on the AAWS and has developed an easy-to-use website with proposed messaging on suggested improvements and strengthening of the strategy.

Visit www.rspca.org.au/AAWS-2026 for more information on how to submit feedback before the final AAWS Have Your Say window closes at 5pm AEDT on Friday 13 November.

Share this post

Copy link

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

RSPCA Australia welcomes updated Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, encourages public to engage in consultation

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.