Australia has an extremely high level of animal ownership. Animals are an important part of life for many Australian households. There are laws that provide guidance for living with animals including how owners should treat their animals and provide for animal welfare. Laws require that owners or people responsible for animals provide them with food and water, report injuries sustained by animals that they have hit while driving and that domestic animals are exercised if confined.

Domestic and companion animals are a common source of problems between neighbours. If you have a problem with a neighbour’s animal you can try to talk with your neighbour. If the problem persists you can contact your local council to discuss your options.

Many people are choosing to keep exotic animals as pets including reptiles and rare birds and fish. There are restrictions on the kinds of exotic animals that can be brought into Australia or kept as pets. It is important that you are aware of all the costs and requirements for keeping these animals prior to their purchase.

Most states and territories have protections for native animals. In NSW all native animals are protected. It is illegal to trap, kill or harm them unless you are licensed to do so. Sometimes animals can pose a threat to our safety or activities. It is important that you understand how to manage these situations.

Ownership and care of exotic animals is also regulated. Exotic animals are those that do not occur naturally in the Australia landscape. Certain exotic animals are allowed in Australia however many are still restricted. Such restrictions prevent exotic pests and diseases spreading across Australia and threatening or changing our unique environment or agricultural and tourism industries. As some exotic animals can also be dangerous the law also protects Australian communities. By regulating exotic species we can also help protect international endangered species from uncontrolled trade that leads to population decline and extinction.

Australia is a renowned producer of quality animal products and has a thriving agricultural industry that relies heavily upon good animal management. A national model code of practice for the welfare of livestock has been introduced which covers an extensive range of animal husbandry practices including basic welfare needs, handling, intensive stocking systems, mustering, management practices, health and human destruction. This code applies to primary producers and others in the agricultural industry including feedlots, saleyards and slaughtering facilities.

Animal law ensures that the international transport and trade of wildlife, wildlife specimens and products that may be derived from Australian or other wildlife is strictly regulated. Australia also has a dedicated system for rehabilitating injured, sick or orphaned native wildlife. In NSW the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) licences groups and individuals to be involved in the rehabilitation of native animals. Similar government agencies provide such licences in other states and territories.

This Legal Guide on Animal Law provides domestic and commercial animal owners with information about the law relating to the treatment of animals as well as trade and environmental issues. Before making important decisions it is advisable to obtain legal advice specific to your situation. LegalEagle’s™ free directory profiles all lawyers in Australia. You can use it to Find a Lawyer near you.

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Warning: Information provided through LegalEagle™ is for general guidance. It is not legal advice. Laws and procedures referred to may change and differ between states, territories and nationally. There may also be important exceptions or qualifications. Only a lawyer providing formal legal advice can assess your particular circumstances to determine how the law will apply.