Current e-Petitions for the Legislative Council

the new Animal Welfare Act

Eligibility : Residents of Western Australia Only

To the President and Members of the Legislative Council of the Parliament of Western Australia in Parliament assembled. We the undersigned ...

petition the Legislative Council to prioritise the passing of the WA Animal Welfare Bill. The existing WA Animal Welfare Act 2002 Act is no longer fit for purpose. An independent Review to modernise the existing Act, including 18 months of extensive consultations, was completed in 2021.
In 2021 election the WA Labor government committed to bringing the Act in line with community expectations.
The WA community constantly confronts examples of horrific violence and cruelty against animals. There are no modern, effective laws to punish perpetrators. More than 65% of West Australians have a companion animal in their family. We are also distressingly aware of cruelty to native animals, farm animals and so called ‘feral’ animals.
In 2022 over 35 animal welfare organisations, local government and transport representatives, co-signed a formal letter asking former Premier Mark McGowan to pass the new WA Animal Welfare Act. In 2025, these groups contacted Premier Cook requesting this as an urgent priority.
Currently, animal cruelty is reported to the RSPCA. Increased funding announced before March 2025 is welcome, but inspectors are bound by an Act and regulatory framework that is outdated and unfit for purpose. The community expects the Act to evolve and address modern welfare practices.
Please fulfil your election promises and immediately bring the WA Animal Welfare Bill into WA Parliament.

And your petitioners as in duty bound, will ever pray.