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I am writing to provide feedback on the proposed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
(AAWS). I strongly believe that having national animal welfare laws is an important step forward but I have concerns with several components of the proposed instruction outlined in the discussion paper.
Unfortunately I only learned of this submission today so do not have the necessary time to respond to all components of the discussion paper as I would like to.
#1 The Vision statement:
The proposed vison statement fails to acknowledge the sentience of animals, nor prioritise their protection and wellbeing. Instead this statement focuses on the welfare of the “stakeholders” which would be at detriment to the animals this strategy clams to be advocating for.
I believe the statement must include a value statement that recognises the sentience of animals and the ethical treatment and wellbeing of all animals as a priority over man or stakeholders personal or financial gain.
It should include the implementation of an independent o ice for animal welfare to police all industries in which animals are subjected to.
#2 Work streams
2a) Leadership and coordination
It is crucial that governing structures are independent of industries an stakeholders with a conflict of interest that would undermine the integrity of decision-making processes.
The only way I see this could be assured is to establish a National Independent O ice for Animal Welfare to promote transparency of actions and allow decisions to be made that are truly in the name of animal welfare.
2b) Research and development
It is essential the su icient government funding is secured for the introduction and maintenance of this strategy. This funding should be used to research how to improve the welfare and treatment of animals, instead of how to make the most financial gai from their exploitation.
2c) Standards and Implementation
This strategy should be strong enough to stand out as the cornerstone of our e orts to safeguard animal welfare across the country. It must therefore be animal focused, evidence based, comprehensive and specific, and should incorporate input from independent experts in animal behaviour, veterinary science and ethics. An
Independent o ice for Animal Welfare needs to be established to hold stakeholders accountable for the animal welfare practises.
The codes of practice MUST be mandatory without the possibility of industry specific legislation having the power to override legislated welfare laws.
2d) Education and Communication
Time and money needs to be dedicated to educating industry stakeholders, and the wider community about animal sentience and the importance of animal welfare with inclusions on how each individual can help contribute to improvement animal welfare.
The public should also be given full transparency into all animal industry practices.
2e) Reporting and Compliance
Mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure this AAWS functions e ectively and independently of industry stakeholders.
2f) International engagement
Australia is lagging behind with animal welfare. We should look to other progressive countries and move towards an ethically sound industry status.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Sincerely,