The McGowan Government has established the State's Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, ensuring Western Australia's animal welfare system meets modern community and scientific expectations.
The committee was an election commitment of the McGowan Government and will provide independent advice to the Agriculture and Food Minister and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on animal welfare matters.
The committee's role will cover the provision of advice on animal welfare policy, legislation, regulations and standards, community education, training standards for animal welfare inspectors and research.
The Western Australian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee will be comprised of:
- Dr Clive Phillips (Chairman) - extensive background in animal production and welfare research and improving the conditions of livestock animals and captive wildlife;
- Dr Susan Glyde - background in teaching veterinary science and medicine;
- Dawn Lowe - background in animal welfare advocacy;
- Michael Sheehy - experience in extensive livestock production systems;
- Dean Huxley - background in native animal rehabilitation; and
- Joanna Williams - experience in wholesale and retail meat industry.
The committee was a recommendation of the independent Animal Welfare Act Review 2020.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Animal welfare is deeply important to Western Australians - both for lovers of companion animals, and for our livestock-based industries.
"Animal welfare policy is complex and ever-changing, involving different tiers of government, the RSPCA and many and varied community and not-for-profit groups.
"The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee will bring up-to-date scientific, industry and community perspectives to policy making in this space, helping us to ensure the standards we put in place meet modern expectations.
"I look forward to working closely with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee members, who each bring a range of skills and knowledge to the table, as we deliver on our commitment to develop new animal welfare legislation for our State."
