10 Years of Action for Animals
A decade of compassion, courage, and change
Over the past 10 years, FOUR PAWS Australia has led powerful campaigns to protect animals—from phasing out live sheep export, to ending live lamb cutting, exposing fur mislabelling, and advocating for responsible pet ownership. We’ve uncovered the truth behind the global trade in big cats and the cruel bile bear industry. And we’ve done it together—with our donors, partners, supporters, and staff.
Thank you for standing with us. The journey isn’t over—but together, we can build a world where all animals are treated with respect, empathy, and understanding.
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A Decade of Impact in Australia
Founded in 1988, FOUR PAWS has protected animals under human care in Australia since 2015, driven by a vision of a world where all animals are treated with respect and compassion
A Movement of Compassion
For ten years, generous Australians have made life-saving animal rescues possible across the globe. From elephants in Pakistan to entire prides of lions trapped in war zones, your support has helped FOUR PAWS deliver expert veterinary care, nourishing food, and safe shelter to thousands of animals in need. You’ve not only rescued animals but you’ve created lasting change. Every donation, every action, every moment of care has helped build a kinder world for animals. Thank you for being part of this journey. From bears and big cats to dogs and farmed animals, your compassion has transformed lives. The impact you’ve made is real, and it’s extraordinary.
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Thousands of Aussies take action for animals
Over the past decade, Australians have lent their voices over 681,000+ times by signing our petitions - each signature a powerful act of compassion and courage. Together, these voices have challenged injustice, demanded accountability, and helped drive real, lasting change for animals across the country. This groundswell of support proves that when people unite, they can shift policies, influence decision-makers, and shape a kinder, fairer Australia for all living beings.
Live Sheep Export Phase-Out Legislation Passed
FOUR PAWS celebrated a historic milestone as the Australian Government passed legislation to phase out live sheep exports by sea. This followed years of advocacy, public pressure, and collaboration with other animal welfare organisations. FOUR PAWS Australia gave crucial evidence at the government enquiry, based on thorough scientific knowledge on animal welfare. The legislation marked a major win for farmed animal welfare, aiming to end the suffering of thousands of sheep subjected to long, stressful sea journeys under poor conditions.
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“Dethroned” Documentary Launches in Australia
FOUR PAWS released Dethroned, an award-winning documentary that exposed the exploitation of big cats in captivity. The film highlighted the global trade in lion cubs and the cruelty behind wildlife tourism. It sparked public debate and policy discussions in Australia and abroad, reinforcing FOUR PAWS’ commitment to ending the commercial exploitation of wild animals.
Program Dewata Expands to Protect Bali’s Dogs
In 2025, training programs for teachers, veterinarians and animal handlers are rolled out, mobile clinics operating to provide vital animal welfare services including vaccinations, sterilisations, deworming and vet care for thousands of dogs, dog population mapping to ensure accurate and effective resource allocation for treatments and vaccinations, and key multi-stakeholder advocacy to enhance knowledge and practices relating to dog care, animal welfare, rabies prevention and dog meat trade impacts.
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“The Broken Promise” Report
FOUR PAWS launched The Broken Promise, exposing the wool industry’s failure to end live lamb cutting (mulesing). Despite a 2004 pledge, over 140 million lambs have endured this painful procedure since 2010. The report, in collaboration with the Australian Alliance for Animals and Humane World for Animals Australia, called for government intervention, mandatory labelling of live lamb cut (mulesed) wool, and support for ethical producers. It reignited national debate and gained support from NSW and VIC MPs for state governments to ban live lamb cutting by 2030.
FOUR PAWS Australia launches One Health Program Dewata with BAWA
Continuing its impactful partnership with Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA), Program Dewata launches to foster community awareness and action to promote animal welfare as part of a one-health approach, establish sustainable efforts to mitigate rabies in humans and dogs, educate on dog welfare, provide educational materials across 70 elementary schools, provide rabies vaccination services, and advocate for village regulations on humane rabies control, animal welfare, and ethical dog treatment.
#LegislateTheDate Milestone to End Live Sheep Exports By Sea
FOUR PAWS Australia and a powerful animal advocacy movement helped deliver one of the largest petitions to Australian Parliament with 43,758 Aussies taking action to #LegislateTheDate.
Nike drops live lamb cut wool
Following a successful FOUR PAWS campaign, where over 80,000 people called on Nike to commit to wool free from live lamb cutting, the sports brand giant made the policy commitment.
#WearItKind Wins
In major progress for compassion in fashion, Sydney’s Afterpay Australian Fashion Week commits to be wildlife-friendly following discussions with FOUR PAWS Australia, Collective Fashion Justice and World Animal Protection Australia. Successfully moving organisers, brands and fashion industry sponsors towards kinder fashion, by urging them to leave fur, skins and feathers on animals, where they belong.
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FOUR PAWS founding member of the Australian Alliance for Animals
FOUR PAWS is a founding member of the Australian Alliance for Animals, a coalition of six leading organisations. The Alliance aims to reform Australia’s outdated animal welfare system by advocating for an independent national commission, ministerial portfolios for animal welfare, and transparent national standards
Fur Report: “Cruelty, COVID-19 and Changing Times”
FOUR PAWS releases a powerful investigative report revealing Australia’s ongoing role in the global fur trade. Despite international bans and public opposition, Australia continued to import tens of thousands of fur items annually. The report highlighted cruelty, pandemic risks, and misleading labelling practices and was supported by MPs in NSW Parliament.
FOUR PAWS founding member of End Mulesing Collaboration
FOUR PAWS join forces with RSPCA Australia and Humane World for Animals Australia to fast-track the end of live lamb cutting (mulesing). The partnership focused on engaging brands and wool growers to transition to certified live lamb cut-free wool, using better genetics and sustainable practices
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“Towards a Non-Mulesed Future” Report
FOUR PAWS and Humane World for Animals Australia release a landmark report showcasing the success of Australian wool producers who have transitioned away from live lamb cutting (mulesing). The report demonstrated wool producers using flystrike-resistant sheep experienced improved animal welfare and increased financial returns. Major retailers like Country Road Group, David Jones, Target, Kmart Group, and Myer adopted policies to phase out live lamb cut (mulesed) wool.
When disaster struck, we took action for animals
In response to the devastating 2020 bushfires, FOUR PAWS Australia mobilised quickly to support animals in crisis. We supported local wildlife organisations and animal sanctuaries to help deliver emergency aid, veterinary care, and recovery support for injured and displaced animals. Our team coordinated relief efforts, provided vital resources, and advocated for stronger protections to prevent future harm. Through fundraising and public outreach, we empowered communities to prepare for disasters and protect vulnerable wildlife. Our response demonstrated the power of collaboration and compassion in the face of one of Australia’s worst environmental catastrophes.
Brands Against Mulesing and Brand Letter of Intent
FOUR PAWS launched the Brands Against Mulesing list and the Brand Letter of Intent, signed by over 100 global fashion brands. These brands committed to phasing out live lamb cut (mulesed) wool and called on the Australian wool industry to transition to certified live lamb cut-free wool. This initiative sent a strong market signal, encouraging wool producers to adopt humane practices and aligning fashion supply chains with consumer expectations for ethical sourcing.
Program Dharma Launched in Bali
In partnership with Bali Animal Welfare Association, FOUR PAWS launched Program Dharma. The initiative provided free desexing, rabies vaccinations, and emergency care for stray animals. It aimed to transform communities into safe havens for dogs and cats, combining animal welfare with public health goals.
FOUR PAWS launches the world’s first Animal Welfare in Fashion Report
The FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare in Fashion Report assesses the extent to which companies are addressing animal welfare risks in their supply chains, with a focus on four key spotlight issues of material consideration – wool, down, exotic leather and fur. Using analytical rigour and evidence-based research, the report highlights the risks of animal-based supply chains in fashion, to animals and brands and retailers.
Cans of Kindness Feeding Program
During COVID-19, FOUR PAWS initiated an emergency feeding program in Bali to support starving stray dogs and cats. The program provides thousands of meals and emergency care to stray animals in need. It was a compassionate response to the pandemic’s impact on animal welfare.
Fur Investigations in Australia
FOUR PAWS Australia conducts multiple investigations into the sale of real fur mislabelled as faux in Australian markets and retail outlets. These investigations uncovered fur products being sold without accurate labelling, deceiving consumers who believed they were purchasing cruelty-free items. The fur was found on trims of jackets, hats, and accessories, particularly in markets and online stores in NSW and Victoria. This investigation helped catalyse public awareness and laid the groundwork for FOUR PAWS’ ongoing campaign to ban fur sales in Australia.
Orangutan milestones
Thanks to the generosity of FOUR PAWS supporters, lifechanging improvements were made possible for the rescued orphan orangutans at the ORANGUTAN FOREST SCHOOL in Borneo. A crucial tree bridge was constructed, enabling safer crossing across waterways with a sturdy walkway, handrail and harness safety line, protecting these precious animals and their foster mothers. Vital medical and technical equipment was provided, as well as enrichment activities for the orphans, and security was locked in for the orangutan release site to ensure their lifelong protection.
FOUR PAWS Australia launches Wear It Kind
To lead progressive change for animals FOUR PAWS Australia launched its Wear It Kind campaign. FOUR PAWS works collaboratively with brands to ensure they take responsibility for the protection of animals used within their supply chains, while raising the level of awareness about animal cruelty in fashion.
Puppy Farming Campaign
FOUR PAWS launched a national campaign to end puppy farming in Australia. The campaign galvanised the public through a petition to ban puppy farming and regulate online sales, provides educational resources to help Australians identify puppy farming online, and brings media attention highlighting the emotional, financial, and legal risks of buying from puppy farms. FOUR PAWS Australia’s submission to the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Puppy Farming) Bill resulted in our appearance at the NSW Inquiry to provide expert evidence in our case against puppy farming cruelty.
Stray Animal Care Projects in Southeast Asia
FOUR PAWS partners with local organisations to rescue, treat, and neuter stray animals across Southeast Asia, including Bali and Thailand. These long-term projects focused on sustainable, humane population control and improving community health.
FOUR PAWS Launches #ProtectMillions for Dogs and Cats
In one of our most powerful ongoing campaigns, in 2018 FOUR PAWS launched its campaign to an end the cruel dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia. Every year, millions of dogs and cats are killed for their meat, making the trade arguably one of the most severe companion animal welfare issues in Asia. FOUR PAWS is committed to bringing an end to the cruel dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia through government collaboration, supporting local stray animal care programs, rescues, and bringing awareness to the trade.Australians have been one of the global campaign’s strongest supporters with over 228,000 Aussies taking action. See the incredible achievements for dogs and cats here.
Stray Animal Care in Australia
FOUR PAWS supported community-led initiatives for humane stray animal management. In partnership with AMRRIC, the programs delivered culturally appropriate animal health services in Indigenous communities in Australia. Their work included funding neutering programs, vaccinations, and emergency veterinary care, improving both animal welfare and public health.
FOUR PAWS Opens ORANGUTAN FOREST SCHOOL
FOUR PAWS, together with its local partner Jejak Pulang, and the Indonesian government, opens its new rehabilitation project for orangutans in Borneo. The milestone project rehabilitates traumatised orangutan orphans.
Giving animals a voice through Government submissions and political advocacy
Political submissions are a powerful tool to directly influence government policy and create positive change for animals. FOUR PAWS Australia’s submissions for animal welfare present scientific evidence and recommendations for how Australian governments can promote stronger animal welfare legislation and reflect modern community values. Through our submissions on topics, from companion animals to the farming of wild animals, FOUR PAWS Australia has contributed to milestone animal welfare legislation including the phase out of live sheep exports by sea and the 30 year legislated review of NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA). See FOUR PAWS Australia’s submissions here.
FOUR PAWS Australia action begins
Forming powerful partnerships and collaborations, FOUR PAWS Australia advocates for global animal welfare for all Australians, helping to ban lion trophy hunting imports in Australia, stand against greyhound racing cruelty, and spotlighting major animal welfare issues like bile bear farming in popular Australian tourism destinations across Southeast Asia.
FOUR PAWS launches in Australia!
Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS, which began in 1988 in Austria, continues its global expansion to advocate for all animals worldwide, and opens its first office in Australia.
