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 Welfare Branch works closely with community groups and industry to promote best standards of animal care and management in New South Wales. The operations of the branch 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).

The branch 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 Welfare Branch 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 the branch works with the EAAC in relation to the Exhibited Animals Act and AWAC regarding POCTAA).

Contacts

Mr Ross Burton
Director
Animal Welfare Branch
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Locked Bag 21
ORANGE NSW 2800
(02) 6391 3324
ross.burton@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Ms Lynette Chave
Senior Veterinary Officer
Animal Welfare Inspectorial Office
NSW Department of Primary Industries
PO Box 100
BEECROFT NSW 2119

(02) 9872 0571
lynette.chave@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Animal Welfare Branch Publications 

The Animal Welfare Branch produces a number of publications including Codes of Practice, Guidelines and fact sheets which address a diverse range of animal welfare issues.

Animal Welfare Codes of Practice

• The Care and Management of Animals in Pet Shops
• The Care and Management of Horses in Riding Centres and Boarding Stables
• The Care and Management of Animals in Pet Grooming Establishments
• The Care and Management of Dogs and Cats in Animal Boarding Establishments
• The Care and Management of Security Dogs
• The Care and Management of Animals by Companion Animal Transport Agencies
• The Care and Management of Breeding Cats
• The Care and Management of Breeding Dogs
• Code of Ethics for the Keeping and Trading of Birds.

Exhibited Animals Protection Act Standards

• General Standards for Exhibiting Animals in NSW
• Exhibiting Carnivores in NSW
• Exhibiting Bottle-Nosed Dolphins in NSW
• Exhibiting Koalas in NSW
• Exhibiting Captive Macropods (Koalas, Wallabies and Allies) in NSW
• Exhibiting Captive Raptors in NSW
• Exhibiting Circus Animals in NSW
• Primates Policy

Pamphlets

• Research on Animals - finding a Better Way
• Guidelines for Avoiding Cruelty in Shellfish Preparation
• The Role of the NSW Animal Welfare Branch
• Drought, Hard Times
• Caring for Animals in Zoos and Circuses
• Your Pet, Keep it Safe at Home and Protect the Wildlife
• Fire Safety in Stables
• Complaints under the Animal Research Act
• Complaints under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act
• Livestock Injured in Transport Accidents
• Ways to make your old wild dog traps legal
• Help your animals survive an emergency.

Fact Sheets

• No 1    The Animal Research Act
• No 2    Applying for accreditation as s research establishment
• No 3    Animal Care and Ethics Committees (AECs)
• No 4    Application for accreditation as an Animal Research Establishment (schools) Form D
• No 5    Animal Research Authorities
• No 6    Animal Supplier's Licence (Form J)
• No 7    The Animal Research Review Panel
• No 8    The Code of Practice for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes
• No 9    Inspections under the Animal Research Act
• No 10  Draise tests, LD%) and lethality tests requiring death as an endpoint
• No 11  Independent and Welfare Members of AECs
• No 12  Staff of the Animal Welfare  Branch
• No 13  Publications available from the Animal Welfare Branch
• No 14  Animal Research Review Panel Policy, Statements and Guidelines
• No 15  Example of fauna emergency procedures for wildlife researchers
• No 16  Guidelines for minimum standards for keeping horses in urban areas
• No 17  Summary of amendments to the Animal Research Act 1997
• No 18  The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act 1997
• No 19  Summary of amendment to the Animal Research Act and Regulations made in 1999
• No 20  Protecting the welfare of horses competing in bush races in New South Wales
• No 21Supply of dogs and cats for use in research

Newsletters

Animal Roundabout - a six monthly newsletter for people with an interest in exhibited animals

Annual Reports

• Animal Research Review Panel
• Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee