How often are we hearing the mantra “Adopt, don’t shop” when we are looking to add a furry friend to our family? Generally, this means that it is becoming somewhat “fashionable” to source our new pets from a pound, a shelter, or a privately run rescue organisation/group, rather than from a breeder – registered (with … Read more

I have recently returned from the Bali Bird Congress organised by ABT (PT. Anak Burung Tropikana) and run at the Prama Sanur Beach Hotel. Fantastic conference at a terrific venue. Well done to all involved. ABT has an amazing collection of Lories, Lorikeets, Cockatoos, Eclectus, and Fig Parrots, but for us Australians it’s the collection … Read more

It was the first day of the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show, and I hit the ground running as soon as I had arrived at 7am in the Pet Pavillion. It is that one big mega event of the year that the NSW Fancy Rodent Society really get to showcase the rodents to a larger … Read more

Australia’s animal industry plays a significant role in the nation’s economy and culture. From livestock farming and wildlife management to pet care and veterinary services, this diverse sector impacts millions of lives—both human and animal. However, the lack of standardised qualifications and comprehensive regulation across various facets of the industry has raised significant concerns. To … Read more

It can be daunting to consider sending your horse away for training, as there are a lot of decisions and much preparation involved. If you make the wrong choices, the outcome can have serious consequences for you and more-so your horse. I have a background of experience in various disciplines within the equine industry, so … Read more

Some things to think about:• Is buying a pet rabbit or chicken really the right Easter gift for your child?• Have you considered what could make your pet sick?• Do you know when/if your regular vet clinic is open over the Easter period?• Do you know where the after hours vets are located? Easter Eggs … Read more

As prey animals, horses and ponies are very aware of their surroundings and are very quick learners. Horses are learning from us all the time, whether we intend to be teaching them anything or not. It’s very easy to teach them a bad habit without being aware that we have trained the habit at all! … Read more

A Threat to Reptile Education and Conservation Efforts In a move that could have far-reaching implications for shows and expos nationwide, the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is proposing significant changes to the conditions under which reptiles are housed at public events. These changes, if approved, could severely impact the ability … Read more

Australia has made significant strides in advancing animal welfare through legislative changes, reflecting society’s growing commitment to protecting animals. However, legislation alone cannot achieve the best welfare outcomes. To bridge the gap between policy and practice, education must play a complementary role, fostering a culture of responsibility and compassion towards animals. The Role of Legislation … Read more

2024 saw Animal Care Australia expand our reach and our influence across multiple reviews and amendments to animal-based legislation across the country. This included pets in strata and residential tenancies; dog ownership including so-called ‘puppy farm’ legislation; cat ownership including cat containment policies; animal industries including veterinary workforce shortages and the review of Standard Occupation … Read more

The Draft “Dealing in Protected Birds Code of Practice 2023” marks yet another step in what has been an exhausting and frustrating journey for aviculturists in NSW. Over the last decade, I have personally seen the government’s repeated attempts to reform avian licensing systems fail to reflect the practical needs of those involved in bird … Read more

The warmer weather has resulted in seeing a lot of snakes on the move. While it is impossible to totally snake proof your yard there are some things you can do to minimise the amount of snakes that you may potentially encounter. Snakes pass through – they usually aren’t looking to set up residence at … Read more

With the season to be jolly upon us and so many things around that we would not usually have out it’s a good reminder of what can harm your feline friend. Whilst we are all opening the many presents it is also advised to be aware of any small objects that the cats can ingest … Read more

Animal Care Australia has been consulting closely with government in the development of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill over recent months, and in general supports the pet keeping amendments. The Bill which has broad support from both sides of Parliament in NSW is expected to be assented any time now. The Bill includes new provisions … Read more

Volunteers are the unsung heroes of any community, and within aviculture, they are what make clubs shine. At bird club events, volunteers underpin all operations. They set up chairs, table, sounds, equipment, man the BBQ, manage finances, book speakers, prepare newsletters and magazines, maintain membership registers, complete government forms, book venues – the list goes … Read more

I’m often asked whether minis can be kept as pets and ‘lawnmowers’ in suburbia, or to have one instead of a dog or cat.  Mini horses and mini ponies can make excellent pets, but its important to keep in mind that minis are just small versions of full size equines, having been selectively breed for … Read more

Friday, 5th July 2024 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024 Opening Statement: Good morning, Chair – I ask that this statement be tabled. Today we are here to discuss the advantages of virtual fencing as they relate to horses and livestock kept on hobby farms, recreationally and as pets, but … Read more

It is now a daily battle to keep up with the changes to animal legislation, with government being steered by animal rights agendas and emotive call outs. Most of these decisions are made with little knowledge or investigation on what the outcomes will be and are then just referred to as “unintentional consequences”. Let’s look … Read more

How are insects and arachnids the silent victims of kidnapping?’ Did that get your attention? I hope so. It is well documented that some species of insects. including tarantulas and praying mantids, are amongst the many facing threat from illegal removal from the natural habitat where they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Whilst … Read more

The Victorian Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s Final Report for the Inquiry into the impact of road safety behaviours on vulnerable road users has been released, bringing particularly positive news for horse riders. In May 2023, peak animal welfare body Animal Care Australia worked together with national equestrian association Bitless Inc, to conduct a … Read more