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NSW Legislation about Pets in Strata: Have your Say



AWL NSW Encourages Public Participation In Legislation And Policy-Making Around Pets

Ever since the landmark ruling handed down by the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court in October 2020, adjudging a Sydney strata scheme’s blanket ‘no pets’ by-law as ‘harsh, unconscionable, and oppressive’ under Section 139(1) of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, millions of pet owners in Australia have breathed easy.

Animal Welfare League NSW strives to achieve best welfare outcomes for pets and other animals in the community. We acknowledge NSW Government’s recent decision to include an additional survey around pets in strata as part of their ongoing public consultation efforts. 

AWL NSW supports the move that will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the community to register their say about strata laws in relation to companion animals.

AWL NSW is deeply committed to upholding the benefits of pets within the community, and the positive impacts they have on lives of people. Companion animals have consistently proven to be of crucial importance to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of their owners. 

Their vital contribution to health benefits, especially in regard to older, isolated and vulnerable demographics in society is widely documented. 



Our high-impact educational programs aim at promoting awareness within the community and facilitate a positive change in the manner in which society treats animals. The right information about legislation reinforces our value systems and can be a deterrent to cruelty toward animals.

Underscoring the significant role that companion animals play within society, AWL NSW CEO Mark Slater says, “This initiative from NSW Government is a step in the right direction to factor in popular public sentiment when it comes to the treatment of pets in strata, and broader animal welfare legislation. 

This will also significantly reduce the number of pets being surrendered at animal shelters across the country, because of stringent regulations and often blanket prohibitions of pets in strata. We urge members of the public to participate in the pet survey, to achieve the best possible outcome for companion animals and their owners.”

AWL NSW provides critical care and rehabilitation for hundreds of animals that are surrendered to our facility and branches across New South Wales every year. The support we receive from the community is vital in helping animals get a second chance in life. Help us today to give a better tomorrow to the vulnerable and voiceless animals in our care. Visit www.awlnsw.com.au/donate to know more.

The strata management laws around pets are scheduled to be reviewed shortly, and a report is expected to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament by August 2021

The additional survey is hosted on the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/strata-statutory-review-2020, and will remain open to the public till 7 April 2021.


About Animal Welfare League NSW

Animal Welfare League NSW™ is a registered charity that has been operating for over 60 years. We provide expert care to surrendered, neglected, and abandoned animals across NSW. We believe that all companion animals in NSW deserve a safe and loving home. We strive to accomplish this through our work in rehoming, education, and discount desexing programs.

We are one of the only two regulating bodies authorised to exercise powers under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Our Inspectors are authorised to seize and prosecute cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and our team are on the road every day protecting animals, educating owners, providing emergency rescue, and investigating allegations of animal cruelty. 

As part of our ‘Getting to Zero’ philosophy we are committed to achieving zero euthanasia of healthy and treatable cats and dogs. Animal Welfare League NSW relies on the generous support of the community.

MEDIA RELEASE, 10th March 2021
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