NSW moves to modernise animal welfare laws

The New South Wales Government is progressing a major reform of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, proposing the most significant update to the state’s animal welfare laws in years.

Proposed changes include new offences for leaving dogs unattended in hot vehicles, banning painful prong collars, strengthening animal fighting laws, and increasing enforcement powers and penalties.

The reforms follow extensive consultation, with more than 7,000 submissions received from the community, animal welfare groups, industry stakeholders and parliamentary inquiries.

The government says the changes will remove barriers to humane intervention, allowing inspectors to administer pain relief and enabling trained officers to euthanise animals in emergency situations.

A bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the first half of next year, with the government stating the reforms reflect strong community expectations for modern, evidence-based animal welfare protections.