Animals in WA are not being protected because the same government department is responsible for both animal welfare and animal industries, and our animal cruelty laws are being enforced by under-resourced and unaccountable charities.

We need a new, independent, professional, government-funded body with animal welfare and protection as its focus and mission: an Independent Office of Animal Protection.

An Independent Office of Animal Protection would stand independent from the agricultural industries that exploit millions of animals each year for profit. It would take on the role of developing policies, procedures, standards and guidelines for the protection of animals in WA. It would also investigate animal cruelty complaints, enforce our animal protection laws, and prosecute those who harm animals.

JOIN THE CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT OFFICE OF ANIMAL PROTECTION

The Department of Primary Industries faces an extreme conflict of interest.

They are responsible for the animal agribusiness industry - who abuse and slaughter tens of thousands of animals every year - yet are also expected to develop policies, procedures, standards and guidelines on animal welfare.

With the industrialisation of animal agribusiness increasing, this conflict of interest only gets worse by the day. The interests of agricultural lobbying groups urgently need to be removed from the development of animal protection guidelines.

Establishing a WA Independent Office of Animal Protection would remove the conflict of interest currently faced by the Department - and afford all animals the protection they deserve.

We must act to secure an IOAP - because animals deserve a professional, empowered, resourced and independent agency to take on the role of animal protection.

That's why we're calling on the WA Government to ensure animals are properly protected under law, by supporting our recommendation for an Independent Office of Animal Protection.

You can take action by signing and sharing our petition - and if you haven't already, please consider becoming a member of the Animal Justice Party today!

Images: Farm Transparency Project