Settlement Guide: Animal protection in Australia

A CFS volunteer gives a koala a drink of water from a bottle, as firefighters battle the Cudlee Creek, South Australia, bushfire.

A CFS volunteer gives a koala a drink of water from a bottle, as firefighters battle the Cudlee Creek, South Australia. Credit: CFS

Australia is a country of animal lovers, with one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. The country is home to unique native wildlife. And protecting animal welfare instead of in Australia is a legal requirement.


Australian animal welfare laws are regulated by states and territories under the Animal Welfare range.

Manyjurisdictions have additional animal welfare laws so owners have a duty of care.

“The duty of care means that the person responsible must ensure that the animal has the appropriate food and water, that they have appropriate living conditions and that any damage to the animal is prevented or mitigated,” Dr Sarah Zito, RSPCA Senior Scientific Officer Australia.
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