The following links will take you to external website landing pages for each state or territory agency responsible for regulating animal welfare and their legislation registers. The legislation titles are posted here for reference when searching for the latest version that is currently in force on the register.
The department is not responsible for the content on external websites.
New South Wales
Animal welfare legislation for New South Wales
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation 2025
- Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986
- Exhibited Animals Protection Regulation 2021
- Animal Research Act 1985
- Animal Research Regulation 2021
Victoria
Vic. Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Agriculture Victoria)
Animal welfare legislation for Victoria
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016
Queensland
Qld Government Department of Primary Industries
Animal welfare legislation for Queensland
- Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
- Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2023
South Australia
SA Government Department for Environment and Water
Animal welfare legislation for South Australia
- Animal Welfare Act 1985
- Animal Welfare Regulations 2012
Western Australia
Animal welfare legislation for Western Australia
- Animal Welfare Act 2002
- Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003
- Animal Welfare (Pig Industry) Regulations 2010
- Animal Welfare (Poultry) Regulations 2024
- Animal Welfare (Scientific Purposes) Regulations 2003
- Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020
Tasmania
Government Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Animal welfare legislation for Tasmania
- Animal Welfare Act 1993
- Animal Welfare (Cattle) Regulations 2023
- Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2016
- Animal Welfare (Domestic Poultry) Regulations (No.2) 2023
- Animal Welfare (General) Regulations (No.2) 2023
- Animal Welfare (Pigs) Regulations 2025
- Animal Welfare (Sheep) Regulations 2023
- Animal Welfare (Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2025
Northern Territory
NT Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Animal welfare legislation for the Northern Territory
- Animal Protection Act 2018
- Animal Protection Regulations 2022
Australian Capital Territory
Animal welfare legislation for the Australian Capital Territory
- Animal Welfare Act 1992
- Animal Welfare Regulation 2001