Consultation: ACT Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs

ACT Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs

The ACT Government is seeking public input on a new draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which sets out proposed minimum standards and guidelines for the care and management of dogs in the ACT.This consultation presents a valuable opportunity for veterinary professionals to contribute their expertise and help shape policies that impact animal welfare, public education, and the veterinary profession.

Why your input matters
Veterinarians have unique expertise and on-the-ground experience that can ensure animal welfare codes are practical, evidence-based, and support positive outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

How to get involved

Review the consultation materials
Familiarise yourself with the proposed Code and key areas of interest. The consultation documents are available on the ACT Government’s YourSay platform:Visit the consultation page

Submit written feedback to the AVA
We are inviting AVA members to provide targeted feedback on these new or revised requirements. Please consider:

• Are the new provisions practical and workable in real-world settings?
• Do they align with evidence-based veterinary knowledge and best practice animal welfare?
• Are there any foreseeable compliance challenges or unintended consequences?

Feedback can be brief dot points or structured comments and should be submitted by Monday 12 August 2025 to publicvetaffairs@ava.com.au

Key areas for feedback
The AVA has identified several new inclusions in this draft that were not mentioned in the earlier 2022 review, and AVA seeks specific feedback on the following:

• Minimum 3 hours of daily human contact for dogs
• Guidance discouraging retractable leashes due to safety risks
• Behavioural assessments before surgical debarking
• Temperature thresholds for shelter: <5°C and >30°C
• ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ labelling for pet transport containers
• Clear owner responsibility for preventing repeat escapes
• Mandatory supervision of dogs in public parks
  

We’re particularly interested in hearing from members about the workability and enforceability of these proposals and any implications for veterinary practice.If you would like a copy of the comparison document, please contact publicvetaffairs@ava.com.au.

Relevant documents for your review

We recommend reviewing the following core AVA policies:

Puppy and kitten socialisation and habituation (2024)
Aggression in dogs (2008 – under review)
Use of behaviour-modifying collars on dogs (2022)
Puppy farming (2016)
Brachycephalic dog breeding (2023)
Nutrition of dogs and cats (2018)
Electronic identification of animals (2016)
Euthanasia (2007)

Click here to view the full list of relevant AVA companion animal policies

Timeline
To ensure your contributions are included in the AVA’s submission, please send your feedback to publicvetaffairs@ava.com.au by Tuesday 12 August 2025.
The ACT Government’s public submission deadline is 22 August 2025.

Your Voice, Our Impact
Veterinarians have a crucial role to play in shaping practical, welfare-focused policies. Thank you for your contribution to this important consultation.