Reform primary legislation (the Act) Action What will be done to improve animal welfare Who will be involved Time frames Action 1.1 Review the current Act Review Victoria’s current principal animal welfare legislation, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. This will include: - its relationship with other legislation - its strengths and weaknesses - current enforcement tools - consideration of international animal welfare laws State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Enforcement groups Local government Short Action 1.2 Seek input from stakeholders Consult with a wide range of stakeholders on proposed new animal welfare legislation for Victoria throughout the reform process. This will include: - discussion on current legislation - new areas for inclusion - input into policy proposals - broad public consultation State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Enforcement groups Local government Medium Action 1.3 Involve the broader public Release a policy proposals paper for public consultation on animal welfare legislative reform. State government (lead) Animals sectors AWAC Enforcement groups General public Local government Medium Action 1.4 Develop a new Act Undertake parliamentary processes to introduce new principal animal welfare legislation for Victoria that includes recognition of sentience and obligations around animal care. State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Enforcement groups Local government Medium
Action 1.9 Develop new regulations Make regulations to support the new legislation. State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Enforcement groups Local government Medium Reform subordinate legislation (codes and standards) Action What will be done to improve animal welfare Who will be involved Time frames Action 1.10 Pilot code review process Review the POCTAA codes of practice relating to hunting and use this process as a pilot to inform future code reviews. Note: This will also deliver on the government's commitment to review the hunting codes under the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan. State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Medium Action 1.11 Review codes consultatively Review existing POCTAA codes to fit within the new legislative framework, in consultation with stakeholders. State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Enforcement groups Local government Long Action 1.12 Participate in national standards Participate in national processes for developing animal welfare standards. State government (lead) Animal sectors AWA Ongoing
Strengthen public sector leadership and policy Action What will be done to improve animal welfare Who will be involved Time frames Action 1.15 Establish Animal Welfare Victoria Establish a dedicated public sector group called Animal Welfare Victoria to bring together all aspects of domestic animal and animal welfare research, policy, education and compliance State government (lead) Short Action 1.16 Keep improving laws Implement processes that inform continuous improvement of Victoria’s animal welfare laws, so they remain effective and responsive to evolving scientific knowledge and community expectations. For example: monitor animal welfare scientific research to inform legislative changes State government (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Enforcement groups Local government Ongoing Action 1.17 Implement puppy farm commitments Implement the government’s puppy farm commitments, including potential changes to the Domestic Animals Act 1994. State government (lead) Animal sectors Local government Short Action 1.18 Review infringements Review the effectiveness of existing infringements and identify where improvements and/or additional infringement offences are required. State government (lead) Enforcement groups Local government Medium Action 1.19 Collaborate with foster care and rescue organisations Identify opportunities for collaboration between state government and foster care and rescue organisations to continuously improve animal welfare outcomes. State government (lead) Animal sectors Local government Medium
Exercise IRIS, a simulated animal welfare fire exercise was held in 2017 and highlighted the importance of strong relationships and open communication in any emergency response. Collaboration has greatly improved as a result of the VEAWP. It has led to significant changes to the way animals are managed in emergencies and improved welfare outcomes. This includes greater consideration of animals during planning, better collaboration between agencies and a better understanding of the role animals play in the choices humans make in emergencies. Enhance collaboration and cooperation across government and animal sectors Action What will be done to improve animal welfare Who will be involved Time frames Action 2.1 Set up a collaborative group Establish a Victorian animal welfare stakeholder collaborative group (for the purpose of building stronger relationships and leading actions to improve welfare outcomes). State government to establish a collaborative group Note: Collaborative group to deliver agreed actions Short Action 2.2 Develop an accord Develop an agreement between key stakeholders and government agencies to identify roles and actions to improve animal welfare. Collaborative group (lead) Animal sectors Enforcement agencies Local government State government Short Action 2.3 Look for joint opportunities Identify opportunities and innovative measures to promote improved animal welfare practices. Collaborative group (lead) Animal sectors AWAC Local government State government Ongoing Action 2.4 Prepare for and respond to emergencies together Collaborate with animal sectors and emergency organisations to address animal welfare issues in emergencies. For example: - chair the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee State government (lead) Animal sectors Enforcement groups Local government Ongoing
Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of enforcement systems and processes Action What will be done to improve animal welfare Who will be involved Time frames Action 4.1 Review the enforcement model Review Victoria’s animal welfare enforcement framework, including the different authorised agencies and their governance arrangements to identify areas for improvement. State government (lead) Enforcement groups Short Action 4.2 Clarify enforcement roles Clarify roles and responsibilities for enforcing animal welfare legislation and work with enforcement groups to ensure these are clear and understood. For example: - consult with enforcement groups to clarify the roles and responsibilities under current and future legislation State government (lead) Enforcement groups Medium Action 4.3 Improve enforcement training Improve the knowledge and skills of authorised officers and decision makers, including courts and tribunals where appropriate. For example: - develop or promote training programs for authorised officers - develop educational material to assist authorised officers and decision makers State government (lead) Enforcement groups Ongoing Action 4.4 Respond to RSPCA Inquiry Respond to the Parliamentary Inquiry into RSPCA Victoria. State government (lead) Enforcement groups (RSPCA Victoria) Short Action 4.5 Support voluntary compliance programs Identify and support opportunities for including promotion of quality assurance programs that will improve compliance with animal welfare laws. State government (co-lead) Animal sectors (Animal industries) (co-lead) Enforcement Ongoing