On 24 March 2014, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries announced a public consultation on proposed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Exhibited Animals. The proposal aims to meet community values and expectations regarding the welfare of exhibited animals by specifying uniform standards and guidelines for all animals kept for exhibition purposes, including those in zoological parks (zoos), wildlife parks and aquariums but excluding circus animals. Currently, the primary responsibility for animal welfare within Australia rests with individual states and territories, which exercise legislative control through ‘prevention of cruelty to animals Acts’ and other legislation. A COAG regulation impact statement (RIS) for consultation was prepared by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries on behalf of ministers responsible for primary industries, and was assessed as adequate by the Office of Best Practice Regulation. The consultation period closes on 22 May 2014.
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