AAWS Scope
The Strategy covers the care, uses and direct and indirect impacts of human activity on all sentient species of animals in Australia (see Figure 1). (A sentient animal is one that has the capacity to have feelings and to experience suffering and pleasure. Sentience implies a level of conscious awareness).This includes animals used in research and teaching, animals used for the production of food and fibre and other products, companion and guide animals, animals used for recreation, entertainment and display, native and introduced wildlife and feral animals. The Strategy builds on the current animal welfare framework in Australia.
It also covers the welfare of animals transported to and from Australia according to the standards and guidelines of international organisations and bodies such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
It embraces a broad vision for the humane treatment of all sentient animals and provides a framework for sustainable improvements in animal welfare outcomes, based on scientific evidence and social, economic and ethical considerations. It reflects the high regard Australians place on the value, care and the well-being of animals.
The Strategy is aimed at the entire Australian community including, persons in charge of an animal, animal users, the veterinary profession, livestock producers, processors and transporters, animal welfare bodies, researchers and teachers, governing bodies of sport and recreation organisations, educational facilities, consumers, government agencies and harvesters.
The Strategy has been developed with wide community consultation. Where specific action plans need to be established under the Strategy, key actions and responsibilities of stakeholders will also be developed and agreed through consultation.
Figure 1 provides a visual representation of elements of the AAWS and how they all fit together.