SRI LANKA
Landmark Animal Welfare Bill Gazetted
Sri Lanka has gazetted its long-awaited Animal Welfare Bill, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise animal protection laws. If enacted, it would replace legislation dating back to 1907 with a more comprehensive legal framework for animal welfare.
The Bill seeks to strengthen protections against cruelty and neglect, introduce a modern duty of care for those responsible for animals and provide substantially stronger penalties for offences. It is intended to give authorities more effective powers to address animal welfare concerns, although its provisions may still be amended during the parliamentary process.
The legislation must now be debated and approved by Parliament before it can become law. While many animal welfare organisations have welcomed this long-awaited progress, some campaigners have also called for further amendments to strengthen the final legislation before its enactment
TASMANIA
Government Reaffirms Greyhound Racing Phase-Out
The Tasmanian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending greyhound racing by 30 June 2029, with ministers stating that animal welfare remains central to the transition.
A voluntary exit scheme is now operating for industry participants wishing to leave the sport early, while planning continues to ensure greyhounds are rehomed gradually rather than facing a large-scale welfare crisis when the ban takes effect. Government ministers say the phased approach is designed to protect both the dogs and those leaving the industry.
AUSTRALIA
Council Clarifies Pet Surrender Fee
Knox City Council has clarified that its A$146 pet surrender fee is voluntary after concerns that some owners believed payment was compulsory.
Animal welfare advocates warned the misunderstanding could discourage responsible pet surrender and potentially increase the risk of abandonment. The council has updated its guidance and says the policy remains under review.
UNITED STATES
Illinois Advances Welfare-Based Pet Custody Law
Illinois is moving closer to becoming one of the first US states to require courts to consider the welfare of companion animals during possession disputes, regardless of whether the parties are married.
The proposed Companion Animal Custody Equity Act (HB4540) would allow judges to consider an animal’s wellbeing, continuity of care, veterinary history and living arrangements, while also permitting temporary caregiving orders during legal proceedings where appropriate. The legislation has passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and has been sent to the Governor.
EUROPEAN UNION
First EU-Wide Dog and Cat Welfare Rules Move Closer
The European Union is moving towards introducing its first harmonised welfare framework for dogs and cats, establishing minimum standards for breeding, identification, registration and traceability across Member States.
The legislation aims to combat illegal breeding and cross-border trafficking while improving welfare standards for companion animals sold through commercial breeders and other regulated establishments. Once formally adopted and published, Member States will begin implementing the new requirements over a phased timetable.
UNITED STATES
Companion Animals Increasingly Recognised in Family Law
The proposed reforms in Illinois reflect a broader trend across the United States towards recognising that companion animals are more than property in legal disputes.
Rather than focusing solely on ownership, the new approach allows courts to consider what outcome is in the best interests of the animal, including continuity of care, emotional wellbeing and established routines. Animal welfare organisations have welcomed the direction of travel as a significant evolution in companion animal law.
End of Bulletin