The treatment of animals in Australia — whether in farming, live exports, 'entertainment', or online pet sales — continues to lag behind public expectations. Despite overwhelming support for stronger protections, major political parties have been slow to take meaningful action.

A 2023 BehaviourWorks Australia survey found that 87% of Australians believe animal welfare should be protected by the government through legislation, and 80.5% support an independent authority overseeing animal welfare decisions [1]. Yet, this widespread public concern has not translated into significant policy reforms.  

Millions of animals continue to suffer under outdated and cruel practices. Every year, 10 million lambs undergo painful and unnecessary mutilation procedures without pain relief, hens remain trapped in battery cages, and cattle continue to be exported to countries with little to no animal welfare regulations.

FOUR PAWS Australia is committed to engaging with all political parties to advocate for stronger animal welfare protections. We have reached out to major parties and independent candidates, urging them to take a stand on key issues such as upholding the live sheep export ban, strengthening regulations on the puppy trade, and ending fur imports.

Voters have the power to drive change. If animal welfare is a priority for you, we encourage you to research party policies, ask candidates about their stance on these issues, and use your vote to demand action for animals.

One of the biggest policy divides in this election is on live animal exports. The Albanese Government has committed to defending and upholding the legislated ban on live sheep export via sea, along with Greens and many independent candidates also vowing to uphold the ban.

In stark contrast, the Liberal and National parties have pledged to overturn the ban, putting industry profits ahead of animal welfare and public sentiment. This decision flies in the face of not only overwhelming public support for the ban, but decades of investigations exposing the suffering of sheep and cattle subjected to extreme heat, overcrowding, and appalling conditions on live export ships.

While live export is a major issue this election, there are several other urgent areas where action is needed. FOUR PAWS Australia is calling on all political parties to commit to real animal welfare reforms in the following areas:

• Banning the import and sale of fur: Despite bans on cat and dog fur imports, Australia still allows fur from species farmed under cruel conditions overseas. Yet precedents have been made globally to ban cruel fur imports. California has banned the import and sale of fur, there is a current bill in the British Parliament as part of the #FurFreeBritain campaign, and many other European countries also moving towards sales and fur farming bans. This follows after the closure of 450 fur farms and the ‘culling’ of over 100 million animals in recent years since the well- established link between the covid-19 pandemic and fur farming. The path has been set elsewhere, and it is past time that Australia must follow suit to ban fur imports.

• Ending the use of wild animals in circuses: Over 50 countries have already banned this outdated practice, yet Australia still lacks national laws to prevent it. This means that, right now, a circus abusing lions as entertainment could start operating in Australia.

• Regulating the online puppy trade: The rise of unregulated online puppy sales has led to unethical breeding, puppy farming, and rampant scams. National standards and enforcement are urgently needed.

• Strengthening pandemic prevention through a One Health approach: Recognising the link between intensive farming, wildlife exploitation, and zoonotic disease outbreaks is critical for both public health and animal welfare. As a member of the World Health Organisation, and an signatories to One Health, Australia needs to do much more to implement the One Health Approach across all areas, including animal welfare.

• Phasing out Live Lamb Cutting: 10 million lambs suffer the pain and trauma of live lamb cutting (aka mulesing) every year. Australia is the only country that still engages in this outdated practice. There is a humane alternative to live lamb cutting  - breeding plain bodied sheep. Thousands of wool growers are already doing this, but government support is needed to facilitate an industry-wide switch. Government needs to legislate a phase out date.

As a member of the Australian Alliance for Animals, FOUR PAWS Australia will be sharing election scorecards assessing party positions on other key animal welfare issues. While some parties are making progress, it is clear that the major parties still need to do much better for animals across the board. Voters who care about animals should take the time to investigate policies and commitments before heading to the polls.

• Ask your local candidates where they stand on these issues.
• Support parties and candidates who prioritise animal welfare.
• Share information and encourage others to vote with animals in mind.

While FOUR PAWS Australia does not endorse any political party, we urge all Australians to consider the policies and actions of those seeking their vote. Animals do not have a voice in this election—but you do.

Animal welfare should not be a political afterthought—it’s a critical issue that reflects our values as a society. No matter who forms the next government, we will continue advocating for stronger protections for animals in Australia and beyond.