The Australian Alliance for Animals has today released a series of policy scorecards revealing where parties and candidates stand on protecting koala habitat, ending puppy farms, and other key animal welfare issues ahead of the NSW state election.
Alliance for Animals Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said the level of support received from the parties was promising.
"With so many critical issues on the line, this election could not be more consequential for animals,
"The plight of puppies intensively bred in inhumane conditions, millions of layers hens suffering in barren wire cages, and the very survival of our iconic koalas are all at stake,
A total of seven parties including Labor, the Greens, Animal Justice Party, Sustainable Australia Party, the Socialist Alliance, Legalise Cannabis Party and the Informed Medical Options Party have expressed full or partial support for protecting koala habitat, banning puppy farms, phasing out battery cages for egg-laying hens, and establishing an independent Office of Animal Welfare.
Support was also strong among independent candidates with Alex Greenwich (Sydney), Joeline Hackman (Manly), Helen Conway (North Shore), and Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater) all supporting the Alliance's key policy reforms.
"While the Coalition has not committed to our policies, the Government did make a record $40 million funding commitment for animal welfare law enforcement and rehoming services, so it is really clear that animal welfare is high on the agenda this election," Dr Goodfellow said.
"Labor's promise to establish an independent Office of Animal Welfare is also really significant as it forms a core part of the Alliance's #FairGoForAnimals reform framework,
