Advancing Animal Welfare

Improving Animal Welfare Policy and Regulation

RSPCA NSW is dedicated to driving meaningful regulatory changes that benefit both people and animals across the state.

As NSW’s leading animal welfare organisation, our impact extends beyond enforcing existing laws. While much of our work focuses on providing direct care, relief, and support to animals and their owners, long-term welfare improvements often depend on advocacy beyond our shelters and veterinary hospitals.

Existing policies and regulations have given animals a voice, but more needs to be done. That’s why RSPCA NSW remains committed to strengthening protections for both animals and the people who care for them.

Animal Welfare Committees

Did you know? RSPCA NSW represents the animal welfare sector in both statutory and non-statutory reference groups and committees. Through this representation, we advocate for animal welfare to be prioritised in legislative development and policy review. Our team contributes to the following groups and committees:

Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP)

The Animal Research Review Panel is a statutory body under the Animal Research Act 1985. It has twelve members who are appointed by the Minister for Primary Industries. RSPCA NSW has two members representing animal welfare. Find out more here.

The Exhibited Animals Advisory Committee is a statutory committee, and its functions and composition are prescribed under Part 2 of the exhibited Animals Protections Act 1986. RSPCA NSW has one member representing animal welfare. Find out more here.

The Greyhound Industry Reform Panel recommended the creation of an Animal Welfare Committee to provide advice to the Commission on any matter relating to greyhound welfare, including the formulation of welfare policies and standards. RSPCA NSW has one member on this committee. Find out more here.

The Kangaroo Management Advisory Panel is appointed to provide guidance on the plan’s management activities to ensure kangaroo populations in New South Wales remain ecologically sustainable and that the methods of harvesting kangaroos for commercial use are humane. Find out more here.

In recognition of the importance of pet cats and dogs to the NSW community, the Minister for Local Government established the Responsible Pet Ownership Reference Group. Find out more here.

By providing services that target the needs of people and animals, we’re preventing cruelty and neglect before they can occur.