Animal Welfare
the Unit
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The Unit

The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Fauna Symbol of South Australia
(Photo:Courtesy M Walter)

The Animal Welfare Unit administers the The Animal Welfare Act 1985 (the Act) and provides advice to the State Government, Non Government Organisations and the general public on the Act and animal welfare issues in general. The Unit promotes animal welfare by the provision of public awareness and information and by supporting the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), the police and government inspectors in the enforcement of the provisions of the Act.

The Unit  responds to issues of public concern as they arise and provides advice to the Minister for Environment and Conservation and government departments on strategies and initiatives.  In many instances, this requires the coordination of responses and actions. 

The Unit administers the issuing of permits and licenses, the collection and collation of animal use statistics and the routine appointment of inspectors under the Act. It also provides executive support services to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

The purpose of the Animal Welfare Unit is to assist in the improvement to the standard of care for all animals in South Australia within the policy and legislative framework of the Government of the day.  Issues addressed vary from local neighbourhood disputes to matters of statewide significance and others requiring national agreement and coordination.

The Unit also has responsibility for the administration of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.