The AJP of NSW now has three Parliamentary Members in the Legislative Council. Their role is to represent the people by scrutinising government legislation and holding the government to account as defenders of animals, saving wildlife and protection of the environment.

Historically, achieving better legal protection for animals has been an uphill battle, but in 2021 there have been a number of victories in NSW. These include: 
 • Tougher penalties for animal cruelty • Victim survivors of domestic violence, including companion animals, will have greater protection • The commercial breeding and importing of dolphins and other marine mammals are being phased out • Property owners and body corporate bodies have been prohibited from including blanket bans for companion animals • Legislation is being put forward to halt the growing number of puppy farms in NSW due to weak state laws. Puppy farming itself is not considered an illegal practice in Australia, only the poor conditions. 
Most dog farms are hidden because dogs imprisoned are often held in barren cages, treated as breeding machines only, and deprived of care and affection. Many pups born into this industry suffer from disease, stress and trauma. They are sold to pet shops and online trading websites. Victoria and WA are introducing legislation to increase regulation of puppy farming and to stop the oversupply of dogs.

A recent animal law conference in Sydney brought together eminent animal protection lawyers from all over Australia to examine how legal protection for animals can be improved. A big step forward is for animals to be recognised as ‘sentient beings, meaning they have the capacity to suffer and feel pain. 

That animals have emotions and are social beings. Other areas of concern are serious climate action, protecting habitats like the Barrier Reef, reverse land clearing, live animal exports, factory farming for livestock, the racing industries, and the cruel 1080 bait poisons. 

Pam Brandis, 
 Dip.Canine.Prac.