Follow the progress of the renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS). This page provides the latest updates on the development of the AAWS, roadmap activities and information about the development of the strategy.
Latest update
This section provides latest progress updates for the renewal of the AAWS. See the visual roadmap below for key milestones.
As at July 2026 – work is focused on:
- targeted engagement and revisions of the overarching strategy
- targeted engagement and refinement of the remaining 3 animal group chapters
The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy progress factsheet
Stay up to date as renewal of the AAWS progresses. These updates provide an insight into activities undertaken to inform strategy development and where each chapter of the AAWS is up to. Last updated July 2026.
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Roadmap to the renewed AAWS
Animal group chapters
The AAWS will include all animals. Each chapter will be dedicated to one of 6 animal groups, with the strategy expected to be finalised in 2027:
This chapter includes:
- Animals in production systems, including livestock such as terrestrial mammals, poultry and crocodiles.
This chapter includes:
- Aquatic animals commercially farmed or harvested in their own environment
- Aquatic animals caught or used in recreation activities (recreational fishing, the ornamental/aquarium industry).
This chapter includes:
- Native animals, including marine fauna
- Introduced and feral animals, including feral animals harvested in the wild
- Native animal management, including animals that are harvested in their own environment
- Marine animal management, excluding animals that are harvested in their own environment
- Native wildlife parks and rescues
- The conservation and scientific study of native animals in captivity.
This chapter includes:
- All animals that are kept as pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, ferrets and rodents
- Breeding and behavioural training of companion animals
- Horses, donkeys and mules, poultry and other animals typically used in production systems kept on hobby farms or as pets.
This chapter includes:
- Animals used for work (e.g. service animals, support animals of any species, muster dogs)
- Animals used in sport (e.g. horse racing, greyhound racing, equestrian events)
- Animals used in recreation (e.g. circuses, magicians, rodeos, zoos, dog events)
- Animals involved in recreational hunting.
This chapter includes:
- All animals used in research and teaching.
The parameters for each chapter have been developed based on feedback from stakeholders and consideration of the previous AAWS. Many animal welfare considerations are relevant to multiple species, chapters and stakeholder groups.
Priority work streams
The overarching strategy is supported by the following 6 priority work streams that provide a consistent framework across every chapter:
- Leadership and coordination
- Standards and implementation
- Reporting and compliance
- Research and development
- Education and communication
- International engagement
These priority work streams:
- build on the goals of the previous strategy
- were agreed during the first round of consultation
- are now embedded in the National Statement on Animal Welfare.
Goals and objectives for each work stream will be included in the final AAWS.
How the priority work streams, goals and objectives and chapters work together
| AAWS overarching strategy document | Animal group chapters |
|---|---|
Draws on the National Statement on Animal Welfare to include a vision, context setting and the 6 priority work streams outlined above. This document will also identify goals and objectives aligned to each priority work stream. | Each chapter is dedicated to 1 of 6 animal groups.
Each animal group chapter will provide a snapshot of the current sector’s environment, including achievements and challenges, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. |
Frequently asked questions
Q: When will the renewed AAWS be completed?
A: The renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is expected to be finalised in 2027.
Q: How often is this page updated?
A: This page is updated as milestones are reached, including consultation outcomes and other key developments.
Q: How can I stay informed about the progress of the renewed AAWS?
A: Visit this page regularly for the latest progress updates and subscribe to The AAWS Connection newsletter to receive updates directly.
