The animal welfare system in Australia aims to ensure all animals receive a standard level of care and treatment.
The level of care requires that all animals be provided with adequate housing or habitat, handling, sanitation, nutrition, water, veterinary care, and protection from extreme weather conditions and other forms of natural disasters.
The animal industries, the animal welfare bodies, the veterinary profession and the research community are all engaged in the development of animal welfare policy and legislation by the various levels of Government.
As part of that process, AAWS has a role to play in supporting animal welfare research and development projects, and to assist in informing the community through communications, education and training activities.
Cross-sectoral working groups were established in the areas of Education & Training, and Research & Development, to apply the national priorities and strategic goals and objectives at an operational level, identify projects and provide advice on issues.
