Trumpet of Patriots Animal Welfare Policy recognises animals deserve our care and respect. They have intrinsic value, and we have a responsibility to ensure that animals’ best interests and welfare are always respected.
Humans have a duty of care to minimise the physical and psychological suffering of animals resulting from human activity and commerce.
Strong animal welfare standards and laws are necessary both domestically and commercially.
Native animals and their habitats are at particular risk and require stringent protections.
Non-Government rescue, shelter and sanctuary operators deserve greater recognition.
Establish a National Animal Welfare Support Fund.
Breeding of companion animals requires improved regulation.
Trumpet of Patriots advocates a strong, uniform, properly enforced national legislative framework for the welfare and protection of animals, which ensure:
Any act of deliberate animal cruelty is subject to criminal penalties.
Appropriate and humane regulations for conditions for the captivity, transport, and slaughter of animals.
Phase-out of live export in favour of value-adding.
There will be no exemptions to Australian animal welfare laws.
An end to cruel or unnecessary use of animals for teaching and research purposes.
The pursuit of technologies to further avoid the use of animals for teaching and research purposes.
The establishment of an independent national regulatory body to ensure national oversight and coordination of animal welfare and protection with appropriate powers to prosecute.
Improved procedural guidelines for any powers provided to the RSPCA under animal welfare laws and an open-door approach to allowing submissions for the appointment of inspectors by independent shelters and sanctuary owners.
The consideration of Australian animal welfare standards when negotiating relevant trade agreements.
The most humane, effective means are available to be used in the control of introduced species, including humane population management methods.
Community education on the needs of animals and our responsibility to minimise any physical, psychological, and emotional suffering of animals caused by human activities, to maximise their quality of life.
To ensure education programs are in place for responsible pet ownership.
A framework for companion animals
Provide shelters with adequate funding to cater to lost and unwanted animals, with a push towards genuine “no-kill” outcomes.
Ensure just use of any powers awarded under existing animal welfare legislation, by the implementation of procedural guidelines that guarantee the best interests of the animals and their owners as the primary goal.
To increase deterrents for deliberate animal abuse and refine the legislation to protect both animals and their owners, with the increased definition of the term “Custody and control”.
Increase desexing levels through government/veterinary subsidised programs and the contracting of desexing at point of sale.
Properly regulate, and temporary limit, the breeding of companion animals to ensure shelters achieve no-kill status with no turn-away, then work with companion animal NGOs to adopt breeding schemes that benefit the animals involved.
Implement and regulate adoption procedures that will enhance the suitable human/non-human compatibility.
Implement support programs that enable shelters to rehabilitate animals where required.
Repeal breed-specific legislation throughout Australia.
Legislate to ensure tenants cannot be discriminated against for having companion animals in their care where the property is appropriate for the animal/s involved.
Improved regulation of licensed and regulated breeding facilities, to lower maximum numbers of breeding stock and improve socialisation programs.
Create federal legislation to ensure uniformity in the application of animal welfare and protection laws across Australia.
A dedicated ministerial position and ministry to oversee the application of animal welfare legislation.
Native animals and Sanctuaries
Increase support to rescue organisations and sanctuaries through public funding programs and easier access to tax exemption status.
Change negative attitudes toward kangaroos, wallabies and other native fauna through widespread education about their considerable ecological benefits.
Reform relevant legislation, policies, and the agencies that administer them, to prohibit the killing or brutalising of kangaroos and wallabies.
Increase and enforce penalties for deliberate wildlife cruelty.
Encourage and increase kangaroo-friendly wildlife-based tourism in Australia.
Review policies for licensing the operational practices of wildlife care and rehabilitation groups and individuals.
Ensure adequate kangaroo corridors are implemented during all relevant development projects.
Ensure open and compassionate debate regarding the culling and commercial killing of Kangaroos, in line with best practices and public sentiment/engagement.
