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

26th April 2024 – Opening Statement. Good morning Chair and Committee, I request this statement be tabled. In 2019 Animal Care Australia supported a recommendation that resulted in the creation of this annual Inquiry in order to address concerns that the charitable organisations were not accountable for their actions or the services they provide on … Read more

An Australian dog breeder has been targeted in an international scam operation that has left victims devastated and thousands of dollars out of pocket. The breeder has been running a popular cavoodle-breeding operation since 2019, and has tens of thousands of social media followers, but was shocked to open her front door one day to … Read more

A strange thing happened in the equestrian world last month, you probably heard about it, but to me it highlighted everything that is wrong with mainstream equestrian sports.  It came down to one question: what about the horses? In case you missed it, 3 time equestrian event Olympian, Shane Rose, participated in a fancy dress … Read more

16th February 2024 Opening Statement: Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 Good morning Chair, I ask that our statement be tabled? My name is Michael Donnelly and I am the President of Animal Care Australia. Today I am accompanied by Steve Courtney, President of Professional Dog Trainers Australia, who are a key … Read more

18th December 2023: Opening Statement: Good morning, I am Karri Nadazdy – Assistant to the President of Animal Care Australia and I am also the Horse & Livestock Representative and I have trained feral horses for rehoming. Today I am joined by Rachel Sydenham – the Animal Care Australia Small Mammals Representative and for the … Read more

15th December 2023 – Opening Statement. Good afternoon, I am Karri Nadazdy – Assistant to the President of Animal Care Australia and I am also the Horse & Livestock Representative. Today I am joined by Kylie Gilbert – the Animal Care Australia Dog Representative. Animal Care Australia represents keepers and breeders of pets and companion … Read more