Renewing the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy

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Hello there, I have been having trouble submitting my submission to the Australian
Animal Welfare Strategy renewal. I will submit it here,
Dear Australian Animal Welfare Strategy Renewal Committee
As the founder of Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary, a world-renowned sanctuary for farmed animals, I have had the privilege of being a part of the team rescuing, rehabilitating and providing a safe haven to several thousand formerly farmed animals since 2003. This experience has given me a unique insight into the plight of animals under our current and wanting animal protection laws. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS).
General comments
The renewed AAWS must be built around the sentience of animals and their inherent worth. A new Animal Welfare Strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a future-focused, contemporary animal welfare system that carves a kinder world for all.
This is a vital process that requires adequate resources and a commitment to effecting significant improvements in animal welfare.
Question 1. Does this vision statement reflect everything you feel an Australian Animal
Welfare Strategy should aim to achieve?
The proposed vision statement currently omits a crucial aspect – of prioritising the well- being of animals. More than simply valuing the welfare of animals, the sentience of animals must guide decisions about them. This should be the core component of any animal welfare strategy.
Question 2. Do the proposed streams cover the right priority areas for the strategy?
All work streams are essential for a robust strategy however, the Reporting and
Compliance work stream is vital for the effective functioning of the AAWS. It ensures that states and territories fulfil their responsibilities to implement nationally agreed standards consistently and promptly.
Question 3. Are there any shared factors affecting animal welfare that cut across all, or multiple, animal groups? For example: Climate change, innovation, workforce retention.
Climate change affects all living beings, including animals. Strategies to mitigate the direct effects of climate change on animals are essential across all animal sectors, and animal welfare 4 considerations should be incorporated into broader societal climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. The impact of animal-based agriculture as a significant contributor to climate change must acknowledged. Biosecurity is another critical factor that can impact all animals. It is vital to ensure that animal welfare is factored into prevention and response strategies by seeking independent and expert animal welfare advice. Animal based agriculture’s contribution to zoonotic disease must be recognised.

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Questions 4 & 5. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Australia’s animal welfare system?
The most significant challenge facing Australia’s animal welfare system is its lack of independent governance. The current system, overseen by ministries and departments of agriculture, is inherently problematic because of their conflicting priorities which has seen profits or human interests triumph over those of animals. These entities' primary goal is to serve Australia’s agriculture industries, often at the cost of animal welfare.
Questions 6 & 7. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for Australia’s animal welfare system?
The establishment of a national Animal Welfare Commission, as recommended by the
Productivity Commission in 2016, would be a significant opportunity for Australia’s animal welfare system. Such a body, independent from political and stakeholder interests, would have numerous benefits, including the appointment of suitably qualified personnel, the ability to undertake or commission research and the capacity to track and report on standards implementation and compliance activities.
Question 8. Is there anything else you would like to be considered in the development of the strategy?
Animals are sentient beings, not mere resources for human use or exploitation. A meaningful animal welfare strategy must prioritise the interests of animals over those who exploit them for pleasure or profit. Given the growing body of scientific evidence supporting animal sentience, it is crucial that our animal welfare strategy reflects this and challenges outdated practices.
Regards, Edgar's Mission/Pam Ahern

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