Bureau of Animal Welfare

The Bureau of Animal Welfare is located in the Biosecurity Victoria branch of the Department of Primary Industries. It was formed to be the focal point for liaison, co-ordination and co-operation in animal welfare matters between the states, Commonwealth governments, local government and animal welfare agencies in Victoria.

The functions of the Bureau are to:

• Provide administrative and technical support to the Victorian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), Domestic Animals Management Implementation Committee (DAMIC), Wildlife and Small Consultancies Animal Ethics Committee, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Inspectors Group, Animal Ethics Committee Advisory Committee and the Responsible Pet Ownership Education Advisory Committee
  
  
• Resolve issues raised by animal welfare agencies and organisations responsible for animal welfare and management.
  
  
• Facilitate the operation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008, Domestic Animals Act 1994, Domestic Animals Regulations 2005, Impounding Livestock Act 1994 and Impounding Livestock Regulations 2008.
  
  
• Review and develop codes of practice, guidelines and standards for the protection and promotion of good welfare for all animals.
  
  
• Provide advice to Municipalities to facilitate their implementation of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 ,the Domestic Animals Regulations 1996, Impounding Livestock Act 1994, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008.
  

• Regulate the use of animals in research and teaching.
  
  
• Provide representation on the Primary Industry Standing Committee's Animal Welfare Committee to liaise with animal welfare representatives from Australian and New Zealand governments, the CSIRO and Animal Health Australia.
  
  
• Monitor animal welfare developments in other states/territories,countries, research organisations and welfare organisations.