AWL NSW Encourages Public Participation In Legislation And Policy-Making Around Pets and Strata

Ever since the landmark ruling handed down by the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court in October 2020, adjudging a Sydney strata scheme’s blanket ‘no pets’ by-law as ‘harsh, unconscionable, and oppressive’ under Section 139(1) of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, millions of pet owners in Australia have breathed easy.

Animal Welfare League NSW strives to achieve the best welfare outcomes for pets and other animals in the community. We acknowledge the NSW Government’s recent decision to include an additional survey around pets in strata as part of their ongoing public consultation efforts. AWL NSW supports the move that will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the community to register their say about strata laws in relation to companion animals.

AWL NSW is deeply committed to upholding the benefits of pets within the community, and the positive impacts they have on the lives of people. Companion animals have consistently proven to be of crucial importance to the physical, mental and social well-being of their owners. Their vital contribution to health benefits, especially in regard to older, isolated, and vulnerable demographics in society is widely documented. Their high-impact educational programs aim at promoting awareness within the community and facilitate a positive change in the manner in which society treats animals. The right information about legislation reinforces our value systems and can be a deterrent to cruelty toward animals.

Underscoring the significant role that companion animals play within society, AWL NSW CEO Mark Slater says,

“This initiative from NSW Government is a step in the right direction to factor in popular public sentiment when it comes to the treatment of pets in strata, and broader animal welfare legislation. This will also significantly reduce the number of pets being surrendered at animal shelters across the country, because of stringent regulations and often blanket prohibitions of pets in strata. We urge members of the public to participate in the pet survey, to achieve the best possible outcome for companion animals and their owners.”

About AWL NSW

AWL NSW provides critical care and rehabilitation for hundreds of animals that are surrendered to our facility and branches across New South Wales every year. The support AWL NSW receives from the community is vital in helping animals get a second chance in life. Donate today to give a better tomorrow to the vulnerable and voiceless animals in our care. Visit https://www.awlnsw.com.au/donate to know more.

Have your say in the pet survey

The strata management laws around pets are scheduled to be reviewed shortly, and a report is expected to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament by August 2021.

The additional survey is hosted on the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/strata-statutory-review-2020, and will remain open to the public till 7 April 2021.