Advocacy

RSPCA NSW is committed to protecting the bond between people and animals by driving meaningful policy change. Modernising legislation plays a crucial role in ensuring better outcomes for pets and their owners.

In 2024 alone, we made multiple written submissions and provided expert evidence at more than a dozen parliamentary hearings, including inquiries into Pounds in New South Wales, the Veterinary Workforce Shortage, and The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024.

Our advocacy efforts contributed to several key legislative reforms, including amendments to the Bail and Other Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence) Bill 2024, ensuring animal cruelty offences are considered in bail applications. We also played a role in the Pet-Friendly Strata Reform, which removed unfair fees and bonds that discouraged pet ownership in strata housing.

Our Advocacy Priorities

Policy Reform

Driving policy reform to strengthen policies that directly impact animal welfare protections and management practices.

Keeping People and Pets Together

Collaborating with agencies that assist individuals during emergencies and times of need.

Protecting Wildlife and Marine Animals

Safeguarding wildlife and marine animals by reducing harm and detrimental human interference.

Improving Access to Veterinary Care

Improving access to veterinary services, including affordable health checks and desexing initiatives in remote, disadvantaged, and underserviced NSW communities.

Cat Management

Advocate for a holistic, humane, and evidence-based approach to cat management in NSW.

Advocacy Highlight: The Animal Research Amendment Bill 2024 banned forced swim tests and smoke inhalation experiments in NSW.

Our education programs and learning materials encourage young people to develop their understanding of animals and their welfare

Latest News and Events

Advocacy

Virtual Fencing – RSPCA NSW Provides Feedback on Committee Recommendations Ahead of NSW Government Report

In 2024, an Inquiry was established to examine and report on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2023, which amends

Advocacy

Pounds in NSW – RSPCA NSW Provides Feedback on Committee Recommendations Ahead of NSW Government Report

On 29 June 2023, a Parliamentary Inquiry was established

Advocacy

RSPCA NSW supports legislative intent of the new Puppy Farm Bill, but urges amendments for stronger breeding protections in NSW

RSPCA NSW supports the legislative intent of the new

Advocacy

Shark Nets in NSW: Time for Humane and Effective Alternatives

Shark nets are installed at 51 beaches between Newcastle

Advocacy

NSW Becomes First Jurisdiction in the World to Ban Forced Swim Test and Forced Smoke Inhalation Procedure on Rodents

The Animal Research Amendment (Prohibition of Forced Swim Tests