April 2015

In each state of Australia (except Tasmania) there are Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Companion Birds.

It is unfortunate that most if not all of these codes are breached by most Pet Shops and Bird sellers across Australia.

In order to change these Codes to Laws, pressure needs to be applied to Government lawmakers. State Governments need to be contacted informed of the serious welfare breaches upon most companion birds in Australia.

If you see any breaches to these codes, please contact Paris Yves on 0413 530 419,  relevant State Government departments (as below) or your state RSPCA office:

RSPCA Report animal cruelty

 Victoria: Department of Environment and Primary Industries Ph 136 186

Code of Practice for the Housing of Caged Birds

This code has been prepared from a consideration of the welfare of cage birds held in captivity. Its purpose is to define the minimum standards of accommodation, management and care that are appropriate to the various species of cage birds.

New South Wales: Department of Primary Industries Ph:

Animal Welfare Code of Practice No 4 – Keeping and Trading of Birds

This code is designed for everyone involved in the keeping, breeding, showing and trading of birds (other than domestic poultry).By adhering to the code, people involved in this industry demonstrate to the general community their concern for birds in their care.

The code is neither a complete manual of aviculture husbandry nor a static document. It may be revised to take account of advances in the understanding of bird physiology and behaviour, technological changes, changing industry standards and the community’s attitudes and expectations about the welfare of birds.

South Australia: Department of Environment, Water  & Natural Resources

South Australian Code of practice for the husbandry of captive birds (828kb pdf)
South Australian Code of practice for the husbandry of captive birds
Last updated: 04/01/2011

Queensland: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 13 74 68

Northern Territory ANIMAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Pet ownership: Your responsibilities

If you own a pet or are considering buying one, you need to be aware of your responsibilities, including:

• provision of adequate food and water
• suitable living conditions
• prompt and suitable treatment of illness or injury
• appropriate handling, restraint, transport.

The Department of Commerce and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Western Australia (RSPCA) have published a brochure to assist consumers in making an informed decision when buying a pet.

Additional Information can be obtained from the RSPCA or your local veterinarian.

Tasmania: Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment 1300 368 550

No code of practice for Companion Birds….to be updated soon.

In existence only Animal Welfare Act 1992

The Duty of Care is yours – you must take it seriously!

If you have animals, own animals or look after animals, you are responsible for their welfare. This applies whether your animals are pets or livestock. You may be deemed to have the care or charge of an animal if you are:

• The animal’s owner
• A person with control, possession or custody of the animal
• An operator or manager of commercial premises involving the animal
• A share farmer
• A chief executive officer or a director of a company that owns the animal

Animal Welfare Act 1993

An Act to prevent neglect of, and cruelty to, animals, to ensure the welfare of animals, to repeal the Cruelty to Animals Prevention Act 1925 and for related purposes

Australian Capital Territory

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Captive Birds Code of Practice) Approval 1995

Australian Veterinary Association