Why Australia Needs an Independent Animal Welfare Authority

Across Australia, animals continue to suffer while serious welfare concerns go unresolved. Existing animal-welfare enforcement systems need stronger oversight, greater accountability and the ability to intervene when animals are in danger.

The ongoing situation involving horses in Mount Eliza, Victoria, highlights why meaningful reform is urgently needed. After years of concerns and reports, animals are still suffering, and those trying to help are left asking why more cannot be done.

This is not just about one property or one organisation. It is about the need for a system that puts animal welfare first, investigates serious cases independently and ensures that failures are properly addressed.

We are calling for the establishment of an Independent Animal Welfare Authority in Australia and meaningful legislative reform to strengthen animal protection, improve accountability and ensure that animals receive the protection they deserve.

Proposed Legislative Changes – Independent Animal Welfare Authority Australia
1. Review of Victoria's Animal-Welfare Enforcement System

Review how animal-welfare laws are enforced and identify gaps that allow prolonged suffering.

2. Review of Existing Legislation

Review current animal-welfare laws and the need for an independent inspectorate with stronger legal powers.

3. Independent Oversight Body

Establish an independent authority to oversee serious animal-welfare cases and investigate systemic failures.

4. Accountability of Authorities

Introduce accountability measures, including the power to suspend or revoke authority where serious failures occur.

5. Independent Authorised Inspectors

Establish an independent inspectorate with legally authorised officers to investigate cruelty and neglect.

6. Emergency Intervention Powers

Provide statutory powers for urgent intervention and removal of animals from serious welfare situations.

7. Complaint Transparency and Accountability

Require transparent handling of complaints, proper investigation and clear accountability for decisions.

8. Safeguards and Oversight

Ensure enforcement powers operate under clear legal safeguards, independent oversight and review.

9. Independent Complaints and Appeals

Establish an independent process for reviewing complaints, decisions and appeals relating to animal-welfare enforcement.

10. Independent Emergency Rescue and Veterinary Services

Develop dedicated emergency rescue and veterinary response services for animals in urgent and serious welfare situations.

11. Livestock Sale-Yard Welfare Standards

Introduce nationally consistent, legally enforceable welfare standards for livestock sale yards, covering handling, transport, holding conditions, access to water, veterinary care, independent inspections and meaningful penalties for breaches.

12. Immediate Animal-Ownership Bans
Introduce legally enforceable interim bans on owning, keeping or possessing animals where there is credible evidence of serious animal cruelty, neglect or ongoing welfare risks. These bans should be able to take effect immediately when necessary to protect animals, subject to appropriate legal safeguards, independent review and the opportunity to challenge the decision.

Why We Need Your Support
Animals cannot speak for themselves. They depend on people to stand up for them and demand a system that takes their welfare seriously.

We are asking people across Australia to support these changes and help build a future where serious animal-welfare concerns are properly investigated, authorities are held accountable and animals in danger are not left to suffer.

Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can demand meaningful change and a stronger future for animal welfare across Australia.