Ask Your MP To Support A Parliamentary Inquiry

Since it was first tabled in 2007, the Animals Bill has received a groundswell of community, animal welfare,  industry, and public support. Yet despite this, and the undisputed fact that the pet industry needs regulating, Labor last year made the decision to not support the Animals Bill. How could this happen?

There are two main reasons why; the first is that many of the issues being raised by the Bill are very new to politicians, with some of the pet industry’s darkest secrets being discussed at this level for the first time.

The second reason is because the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), responsible for NSW animal welfare policy, has a vested interest in not supporting the Animals Bill. The bodies who research the efficacy of proposed legislation on behalf of the the DPI are members of the very industry groups threatened with regulation if the Bill is passed.

A Parliamentary inquiry into the pet industry is needed to properly address these issues, and would ensure that the concerns being raised by a growing number of Australians are properly and fairly addressed. For example, an inquiry could investigate:

  1. the treatment of animals in puppy farms and those kept for sale in pet shops
  2. a lack of information provided at point of sale and the encouragement of impulse purchases
  3. consumer rights regarding health and genetic welfare of animals in pet shops
  4. potential misuse of public money to promote the pet industry’s commercial agenda
  5. the cost to the community to manage unwanted cats and dogs and the impact of abandoned pets on the environment
  6. the link between animals sold in pet shops, markets and via print and online media, and the number of animals impounded

The Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill has opened the debate on a state wide tragedy – the abuse, mistreatment and exploitation of companion animals. This is not something driven by extremists or limited to the experience of animal welfare workers. It is something felt by everyday Australians who care about animals, and the extent and intensity of the current debate is evidence of this.

The Coalition have already stated that they would support a Parliamentary inquiry into these issues, but we still need the support of Labor. Please print the below letter to ask your MP to vote yes to an inquiry!

Click Here to Ask your MP to Support a Parliamentary Inquiry