Have your say on animal welfare in South Australia

It’s the primary piece of legislation concerned with animal welfare in South Australia and its now out for review. The Animal Welfare Act 1985 aims to promote the welfare of animals in our state and informs how they must be treated.

Last updated in 2008, the Act is being reviewed to ensure the laws governing animal treatment stay up-to-date with community expectations. It also coincides with recent or current reviews in other states across Australia.

The first step in the review aims to gather community feedback – so there’s an opportunity for you to share your perspectives on animal welfare, how the current laws are working and how they might be improved.

Interested in participating? Here’s what you need to know.

Who should participate in the review?

Anyone! The care and welfare of animals is an important subject to many of us, and you don’t need to have specialist knowledge or interest to provide your feedback. In fact, the Department for Environment and Water is keen to hear from a wide range of community members.

What do I have to do?

If you’d like to take part, you’ll be asked to complete an online survey to find out whether the Act meets your expectations. You can complete one or all of the questions depending on your interest in or knowledge of the subject matter.

A consultation paper has also been developed to provide an overview on the Act. This gives context to the review and background to the survey questions.

How will my feedback help?

Your feedback will be used to understand community expectations on animal welfare and identify opportunities for change that may improve the Act.

Responses will also help identify areas of high interest or concern by the community, which will be flagged for opportunities for legislative reform.

How do I have a say?

If you’d like to take part and share your perspectives on the Act, visit YourSAy and complete the survey. Feedback is being accepted until Sunday 26 March 2023.

You can also subscribe to receive updates on the review.

Interested in animals? Be sure to learn how to keep your pets cool this summer and what to do if you see a snake in the wild.