Have your say on NSW companion animals laws
The Office of Local Government (OLG) has published a discussion paper as the first step in a review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (CA Act) and Companion Animal Regulation 2018 (CA Regulation). A key aim of the review is to ensure that the updated legislation improves responsible pet ownership across NSW, ensuring the well-being of pets and the safety of our communities.
Why are companion animals laws being reviewed?
Conducting a review of the CA Act and CA Regulation is the first step in the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver a broader animal management and welfare plan to deal with the growing number of lost, abandoned, and neglected animals across the state.
The review aims to update our companion animals laws to address key issues such as:
• clarifying the roles of those involved in managing animals
• achieving consistency in animal management processes
• training for enforcement officers
• and implementing recommendations from the coronial inquest into dog attacks
Next Steps
Submissions to the Review of Companion Animals Laws Discussion Paper are now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit feedback.
The NSW Government is now analysing the submissions and formulating the next steps of the review, including further public consultation opportunities.
Please check the Office of Local Government’s website regularly for updates regarding the review process.