Is Australia’s animal welfare policy system fit for purpose?
Australians overwhelmingly care about animals – but what do they think the government's role should be in protecting animals, and who should be involved in decisions about animal welfare?
Through a partnership with Buddy Giving Program, the Alliance for Animals commissioned BehaviourWorks Australia to conduct research into Australian attitudes toward animal sentience and animal welfare policy.
Our animal welfare laws are falling behind community expectations — and people want change.
Key findings from the research:
Support for reform is widespread and non-partisan
Australians across city and regional areas – and across the political spectrum – back stronger animal welfare laws.
Recognition of animal sentience is a clear expectation
More than 70% of Australians support recognising animal sentience in law and requiring decision-makers to reduce harm.
Independence and accountability matter
Nearly 80% of Australians want an independent authority to oversee animal welfare policy.
Government action is strongly supported
Almost 90% believe governments should be responsible for making and enforcing animal protection laws.
Trust is shifting
Australians place greater trust in animal welfare experts and organisations than in political parties or industries that use animals.
Watch the webinar
In the webinar, Dr Meg Shaw from BehaviourWorks Australia unpacked the survey findings, and Dr Jed Goodfellow explained why those findings matter for building a system that truly protects animals.
Together, we can secure vital animal welfare reforms.
Funding
Buddy Pet Insurance is a new pet insurance brand with a purpose-driven mission to give back. Through its Buddy Giving Program, Buddy is committing over $1 million to support animal welfare, vet welfare, and animal research initiatives across Australia. As a proud partner of Alliance for Animals, Buddy is helping fund national research that deepens public understanding of animal welfare and supports stronger protections for animals through evidence-based policy reform.