Animal welfare branch

The Animal Welfare Branch is a government section concerned with the welfare of animals in our community. It was established in 1993 as an independent program within NSW Department of Primary Industries.

What does the Animal Welfare Branch do?

The Branch gives specialist advice to the Government of New South Wales on animal welfare. It is one of the main ways in which Government decisions on animal welfare are turned into action. This can be through laws, education or administration

Why does the Animal Welfare Branch exist?

Animals are used for many purposes in our society. There are many views of what uses are right or wrong, reasonable or unreasonable.

The Branch exists because there is a need to balance these views. This lets people use animals in conventional ways but makes sure that the animals are cared for properly and humanely. The welfare of animals is part of the concern that people have for the total well-being of the place in which they live - their 'quality of life'.

Also our trade in animal products must be protected from objections raised by trading partners. Farm animal welfare is an issue that could be used in trade negotiation and trade sanctions.

How does the Animal Welfare Branch work?

The Animal WelfareBranch works closely with community groups and industry to promote best standards of animal care and management in New South Wales. The operations of thebranch are divided between the Animal Research Act 1985 (ARA), Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1997 (POCTAA) and the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986 (EAPA).

Thebranch also provides administrative and technical support to the Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP), Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC) and to Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee (EAAC). These groups are made up of representatives from the community, including animal welfare groups, animal user groups and other independent bodies (like Government bodies).

The Animal WelfareBranch works closely with the Animal Research Review Panel to see that animals are treated humanely in research and education. This is part of the joint role between the two organisations in managing the Animal Research Act. (Similarly thebranch works with the EAAC in relation to the Exhibited Animals Act and AWAC regarding POCTAA).