Animal welfare

All animals in the Northern Territory (NT) are entitled to a standard level of care for their welfare, health and safety under the Animal Protection Act 2018 and Animal Protection Regulations 2022.

If you’re in charge of any animal - wild, farmed or a family pet, you must make sure they:

• have the right kind of food, water and living conditions
• get proper treatment if they’re sick or injured
• are allowed to exercise and are handled appropriately
• will not be harmed by any confinement or restraint
• are worked, ridden or used only in ways that are appropriate:
  • not in an organised animal fight
• are not abandoned.

The Act and regulations are managed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries who are responsible for making sure animal owners follow these rules.

They assign welfare officers to prevent animal cruelty and ensure they’re being treated humanely as well as promote community awareness about animal welfare.