Why Our State Must Finally Protect Animals In Local Government Shelters

The silence behind the cage door

In my years as a GP, I have learned that the quality of care is defined not by what is promised, but by the standards that are enforced. When we look at the state of our animal pounds and shelters, we see a disturbing gap in our laws. Currently, we rely on broad, vague legislation that leaves animals vulnerable to inconsistent treatment. This is not just a regulatory oversight: it is a systemic failure that leaves vulnerable creatures in a state of fear and neglect.

The reality is simple. When standards are left to chance, some facilities will inevitably fall short. We are seeing a postcode lottery where an animal’s welfare depends entirely on which local government manages their facility. This is unacceptable. We need a mandatory, statewide framework built on the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. We are talking about basic necessities: freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, injury, and the distress of a cage that offers no sanctuary.

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Evidence over anecdote

We need to move away from guesswork and embrace proven science. The current approach to managing impounded animals often fails to include qualified behavioural assessments, leading to poor rehoming decisions and increased suffering. It is time we brought professional expertise into these facilities. We must demand that assessments be conducted by trained professionals, not by staff who lack the necessary skills to understand the needs of a distressed dog or cat.

The government has been presented with clear evidence of this legislative vacuum. Every day that we delay creating enforceable, measurable standards is a day that an animal pays the price for our inaction. For those of us who value evidence-based policy, this is a clear-cut case of missing infrastructure that causes real-world harm.

A path forward

The call to action is clear. We are asking for a dedicated, enforceable minimum standard of care that applies across the board. This is about shifting our culture from one of basic containment to one of compassion and dignity. It is what our community expects, and it is what these animals deserve.

I recently presented a petition in the Legislative Council, signed by hundreds of concerned Western Australians, urging the State Government to finally act. You can read the full details of the petition here. We have the data and we have the moral imperative. Now, we just need the political will to make it happen. If you believe in a future where our laws reflect our compassion, I invite you to join us at Legalise Cannabis WA as we continue to push for meaningful change.