helping animals in australia

Australians are animal lovers with one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. However, much needs to be done to improve our animal welfare standards, especially for farmed animals and our unique native wildlife. FOUR PAWS believes all animals deserve respect, empathy and understanding, and should not be subjected to cruelty.

We are working to stop all animal cruelty, including those deemed 'legal' under Australian law. 

animal welfare issues in australia

Puppy farming, fur deception, and mulesing are some of the major animal welfare issues in Australia. 

Puppies in cages

The Puppy Trade in Australia

 The dirty and cruel business of treating dogs like a "commodity"


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Foxes in fur farm

Fur Trade in Australia

Fur is cruel, deadly, and rife with scams. Australia must end its support for the fur industry.


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A flock of Merino lambs

Mulesing in Australia

Our work with brands and industry to end the practice of mutilating lambs to prevent flystrike


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Pig looks out of transport truck at a sale yard

Live Road Transport in Australia

Cruel animal suffering when live transported on trucks


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sheep on live transport

Live Export in Australia

Despite growing unpopularity, Australia continues to be one of the world's largest live exporters.


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pug puppy

Puppy Scams on the Rise in Australia

Australians are being left heartbroken and out of pocket by these sophisticated puppy scams


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crocodile farmed for leather

How Reptiles are Suffering for Fashion

Reptiles are farmed and skinned for fashion, and it is not always legal


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pigs in factory farming

Pigs Suffering in Factory Farming

Pigs killed in the Australian meat industry suffer throughout their short lives, together we can ease this suffering. 


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advocacy and legislation

We engage with industry and other animal groups to educate society and lobby for change in state and federal governments.

Rescued dog in Australia

Australia's Law & Policy Submissions

Our work to improve animal welfare laws in Australia


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Sheep in the farm

FOUR PAWS and the Australian Alliance for Animals

Launch of two-million-strong animal welfare alliance to put animals on political agenda


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Animal transport ship

Victorian legal clinic launched in response to puppy farming crisis

Animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS calls for better protections


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FOUR PAWS is a proud member of the following alliances:

Australian Alliance for Animals logo

FOUR PAWS is a core member of the Australian Alliance for Animals.

Fur Free Retailer

FOUR PAWS is the official country representative for the Fur Free Retailer program in Australia.

latest blog & News

Pig Slaughter - Carbon Dioxide & Electric Stunning

CO₂ stunning of pigs in Australian slaughterhouses is making headlines in 2023 due to cruelty and widespread use

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dog with carer

Pet support services in Australia during tough times

Many Australians with pets are facing hardship and uncertainty, and there are caring animal services available to lend a helping hand to prevent having to surrender or abandon pets.

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Protecting animals in floods

How to Protect Animals During Floods

Planning is key and how to help water-logged animals

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Woman with sheep

Meet Jessica Medcalf, the global leader of #WearItKind

How our #WearItKind campaign is making a difference for animals

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Lamb staring at camera

Secret ingredients derived of animals, hidden in your food

The restaurant and supermarket staples that actually aren’t animal-friendly

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rescued dog Jack

How acknowledging animal sentience in law can protect companion animals in Australia

FOUR PAWS calls to recognise animal sentience in Australian legislation

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Dog fighting victim

Cockfighting and Dog Fighting - Two Largely Unknown Animal Welfare Issues Rife in Australia

How gambling and the thrill of profit are perpetuating an underground ring of animal fighting

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Fox in fur farm

FOUR PAWS report: It’s time to end Australia’s support of fur and its pandemic risk

2021 investigative fur report on ‘Cruelty, COVID-19 and changing times'

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Battery hen in Australia

Australia to finally ban battery cages... but 2036 is still too late!

FOUR PAWS is calling for a faster phase-out period to protect chickens from suffering.

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guide to help animals during climate disasters

Climate change is having a devastating impact to the Australian environment. Longer droughts and higher temperatures are bringing about catastrophic bushfires, damaging wildlife and ecosystems. Guide to help native wildlife and pets during disasters and stressful weather.

Koala in Australia

Australia's animals and the threat of bushfires

How to help animals during bushfire season, and the importance of preparation, recovery and rehabilitation

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Protecting animals in floods

How to Protect Animals During Floods

Planning is key and how to help water-logged animals

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An orphaned kangaroo in Australia

What to do if you find injured wildlife in Australia

A guide for how to help injured wildlife in Australia

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Dog under a shade

Pets and heatwaves in Australia: Make a safety plan today

A guide on how you can prepare a pet emergency plan

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dog in hot weather

Pets in Hot Weather

What pet owners should know to keep their four-legged friends safe

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Dog in a car on a sunny day

Could Your Car Become a Heat Trap?

Why you should never leave your dog in the car in warm weather

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Helping dogs in Australia

how to help animals from home?


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