Our Network
Right across Australia there are hundreds of community-based animal groups. These groups are the real animal welfare experts.
We encourage new animal keepers to join or at least familiarise yourself with your nearest community-based animal group. They have been animal welfare educators for many decades. Animal welfare is central to the day-to-day existence of the groups, their members and it is what we continue to endorse and encourage.
Our expertise is specialised and professional and all of us who keep animals must continue to strive for greater welfare outcomes. We must never become complacent. We must never provide a reason for the animal rights movement to legitimately condemn us. Our goal must always be to prevent or relieve the suffering of animals.
Animal Care Australia has a strong network. While we represent our Member Assocations’ and our Supporters, we also continue to consult with other organisations such as the Animal Welfare League, and the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia, that we believe represent the best ethos for ensuring animal welfare and support ‘education before regulation.’
We also consult with the Pet Industry Association of Australia at times when the ability to keep pets is called into doubt.
Animal Care Australia has two categories of financial membership:
Members – who are animal keeping associations. These associations have voting rights and appoint relevant Species Representatives. They are predominantly hobbyist-based associations. Animal Care Australia recognises some of these organisations do have members who are breeders, but those individuals do not have influence over the Animal Care Australia Committee as the associations appoint representatives to participate in an Animal Advisory Group. This Membership and the rules that govern it are protected within the organisation’s constitution, the Code of Ethics, and other policies outlined within the ACA Operations Manual.
Supporters – who can be individuals or other animal-specific organisations and these have no voting rights. As these individuals have no voting rights, this Membership and the rules that govern it are partly protected within the organisation’s constitution (re: complaints received against the Committee or other members, conflict resolution, etc) and the remainder within the Code of Ethics and other policies outlined within the ACA Operations Manual.
Members and supporters are invited to join and participate in one of Species Animal Advisory Groups, providing our members with a voice.
Animal Care Australia Membership breakdown:
With the Farm Transparency Project being utilised by animal rights extremists as a database for discovering and staging protests outside and often trespassing onto properties, Animal Care Australia does not promote the names of our Member Associations, their members or our supporters.
That said, our memberships cover the gauntlet of the animal keeping sector:
If you or your organisation would like to join Animal Care Australia as a member or supporter please do so today.
“The more voices we represent, the louder our voices are heard.”
