Animal welfare laws in Queensland

Animal welfare in Queensland is regulated and enforced to ensure all animals are cared for appropriately and treated humanely.

The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and the Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2012 set the rules for animal protection, care and use. Penalties apply if these rules are not followed.

The Queensland Government's animal welfare program aims to:

1. Promote the responsible care and use of animals
2. Provide standards for animal care and use that
   • balance the welfare of animals and the interests of people whose livelihood depends on animals
   • allow for the advancements in scientific knowledge and allow for changes in community expectations about practices involving animals
3. Protect animals from unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable pain
4. Ensure that the use of animals for scientific purposes is accountable, open and responsible.

This guide covers laws that protect animals in Queensland and how these are enforced.