Animal welfare

Animals deserve our care and respect. Despite this, some animal species are treated inhumanely for human consumption or entertainment, while other species face the threat of extinction from habitat loss, human-induced climate change, and other destructive processes. We must also recognise the detrimental impact feral animals are having on native ecosystems and seek the most humane method for their management. 

 

Principles

The Greens believe:

  1. We must end all inhumane treatment of animals. 
  2. Animals are sentient beings capable of feeling and suffering. Their intrinsic worth is separate from the needs of humans, and the welfare of animals must be respected with regard to both the survival of species and the protection of individual animals. 
  3. We have a responsibility to minimise suffering caused to animals by providing legally enforceable protections, aligning with the highest possible welfare standards.
  4. The NT’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems, including native wildlife and its natural habitat, is of immense value, and must be preserved, protected, and restored. (See further, NT Greens Biodiversity Policy)
  5. When necessary for the welfare of the animal and the preservation of the environment and culture, the humane removal of feral animals is an unfortunate consequence of colonisation.

 

Aims

The Greens want:

  1. Stronger legislation and codes of practice to better protect animal welfare in all areas; including racing, farming and breeding of animals. 
  2. To establish an independent regulatory body for animal welfare to monitor compliance and with full prosecutorial power and standing in relation to animal matters. 
  3. To prohibit inhumane farming practices that are inconsistent with animals' natural behavioural needs. 
  4. To develop appropriate standards and certification schemes for free-range, organic, humane and cruelty-free production systems. 
  5. To provide incentives for the implementation of regenerative farming and sustainable fishing practices that cause the least impact on native animal habitat, soils, water and climate.
  6. To eliminate all inhumane practices in relation to the breeding, sale and confinement of companion animals. 
  7. To ensure desexing services for companion animals are appropriately subsidised for low income earners, and accessible to remote residents, to help control stray and feral animal numbers. 
  8. Better support animal shelters and rescue organisations to care for, rehabilitate and re-home animals, aiming to reduce euthanasia rates as much as possible. 
  9. To adopt humane and effective evidence-based approaches to managing ecosystems, including the control of overpopulated, invasive and pest species.
  10. To legislate enforceable standards of humane procedures to prevent suffering and trauma in meat, egg and dairy industries. 
  11. To end the export of live animals for slaughter, consumption or profit.
  12. To abolish all cruel and inhumane treatment of animals used in sport, recreation and entertainment.
  13. To end greyhound racing, commercial horse racing, the use of whips and other inhumane practices in activities involving animals, and the use of animals in circuses and rodeos, ensuring a just transition for those employed in the industry and funding for re-homing.