AJP supports legislation and regulation that prioritises the well-being, protection and rights of animals as sentient beings, ensuring they are not subjected to exploitation, harm or cruelty. It is imperative that animal welfare and protection legislation is adequately resourced and equipped with robust compliance monitoring, appropriate penalties and regulatory enforcement capabilities.
Animal welfare legislation should be drafted with the sole intention of recognising animal sentience and protecting animals, without influence from industries that profit from their exploitation. The principles enshrined in the Animal Welfare Act 1999 must be enforceable, without loopholes that allow industries to evade responsibility by self-regulation. Until adequate animal protection legislation is in place, AJP will also campaign to remove and prohibit exemptions and inconsistencies that allow animal cruelty to occur (for example, codes of practice for the “welfare” of farmed animals).
