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Animal Welfare
COVID-19 Racing and Animal Welfare SupportThe Greens are glad to hear the government have placed a deliberate focus on the welfare of greyhounds and horses not currently racing because of COVID-19. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 7 Apr 2020 |
Animal Welfare Must be Protected Through COVID-19The decision to restrict the movements of Tasmanians is full of challenges but it’s required to save lives. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 3 Apr 2020 |
Liberal Lies on Animal WelfareRacing Minister, Jane Howlett’s defence of the government's record on animal welfare is pathetic. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 13 Mar 2020 |
Australia Receives a 'D' for Animal WelfareThe announcement that Australia has scored a 'D' in the Animal Protection Index will dismay every Tasmanian who cares about the welfare of animals. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 12 Mar 2020 |
Duck Shooting is Animal Cruelty, Not "Way of Life"Gun shots will echo across Tasmania’s inland waterways this weekend, as native ducks are brutally blasted out of the skies in the name of ‘sport’. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 5 Mar 2020 |
2019 Government Businesses Scrutiny Committee - TasracingFull transcript of the Tasracing Pty Ltd hearings in the 2019 Government Businesses Scrutiny Committee. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 3 Dec 2019 |
Animal Welfare Amendment (Reformation) Bill 2018A bill for An Act to amend the Animal Welfare Act 1993 for the purpose of banning factory farming techniques, greyhound... Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Bill | 20 Sep 2018 |
Justice for Animals in Our CareAndrea Dawkins | Policies | 23 Feb 2018 |
Racing Industry CrueltyThe 7.30 Report pieces together the endemic cruelty on which that racing industry is fundamentally based. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 31 Oct 2019 |
Racing Industry CrueltyNext Tuesday in Melbourne, the race that stops the nation will be underway at 3 p.m. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 31 Oct 2019 |
Thoroughbred Racing Horses - Transportation to Interstate AbattoirsCassy O'Connor questions the Minister for Racing on the grotesque cruelty inflicted on thoroughbred racing and trotting horses in Tasmania. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 31 Oct 2019 |
Alternative Budget 2019-20Cassy O'Connor MP | Policies | 29 May 2019 |
Tassal Scientific Permit ApplicationThe DPIPWE website's wildlife management page has opened an application for socalled scientific permit, that is available for public comment until 18 September. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 5 Sep 2019 |
Animal Welfare in TasmaniaYesterday in this House we asked questions about the slaughter of over 8000 native black swans in Tasmania. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 1 Aug 2019 |
Animal Welfare in TasmaniaThe wellbeing of animals in Tasmania is a matter of very significant importance to the vast majority of the Tasmanian people. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 1 Aug 2019 |
VDL Animal Cruelty Claims Require Strong ActionPersistent allegations of cruelty and neglect at VDL dairies demand an urgent, sustained response from Biosecurity Tasmania. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 31 Jul 2019 |
VDL Dairy - Allegations of CrueltyYesterday in response to our question about alarming allegations of animal cruelty the Minister confirmed we were misled at the Estimates table. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 31 Jul 2019 |
Horse Carcass LocationDuring this year's budget Estimates we asked about the circumstances surrounding the death of a horse on 31 May at Brighton. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 30 Jul 2019 |
VDL Dairy - Allegations of CrueltyIn Estimates this year, when we asked you and your director of Biosecurity Tasmania about animal welfare issues at VDL, both of you denied any knowledge. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 30 Jul 2019 |
Wallaby Cruelty Must be CondemnedThe actions of those individuals who maimed two defenceless wallabies, by shooting them with a bow and arrow, are despicable. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 26 Jul 2019 |
Huge Questions Hang Over VDL Animal WelfareWhen twenty senior farm managers put their serious concerns about animal welfare in writing, government must pay attention. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 28 Jun 2019 |
Race Horse Death at Brighton Training GroundsMadam Speaker, I am off and racing because I want to speak briefly about the mystery of the horse death at the Brighton training grounds on Friday, 31 May. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 14 Jun 2019 |
Estimates Reply - Attorney-GeneralCassy O'Connor delivers a reply to budget estimates, discussing the death of a horse at the Brighton training tracks. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 12 Jun 2019 |
Greens Release Future-Focussed Alternative BudgetToday we proudly delivered the Tasmanian Greens’ fully costed, long-term vision for Tasmania, our Alternative Budget 2019-20. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 29 May 2019 |
Australian Fur Seals - WelfareThe former minister oversaw an appalling regime of seal mismanagement, which has seen almost 9000 underwater explosions and at least 1200 seals being shot. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 17 Oct 2018 |
Courtney Must Act on Seal CrueltyThousands of Australian fur seals are being shot by ‘beanbag’ bullets, underwater explosives, injured, blinded, deafened - and killed in some cases. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 12 Oct 2018 |
Greens Table Bill to Strengthen Animal RightsTasmania’s animal welfare laws fail to protect the rights of animal to live free from cruelty and neglect, placing emphasis on the profits of industry. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 16 Sep 2018 |
Seven Months of Silence from Liberals on Polo Pony DeathsSeven months after this tragedy we still have no clarity on what caused the deaths of 16 horses on the Spirit. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 29 Aug 2018 |
Courtney Reveals Extended Licences to Hunt WombatsMinister Courtney has revealed the Liberals’ plans to extend licences to shoot native wildlife, including wombats suffering from sarcoptic mange. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 22 Aug 2018 |
Spirit of Tasmania - Deaths of Polo PoniesTT-Line is accused of failing to ensure the wellbeing of 16 prized polo ponies that died on the Spirit of Tasmania in January of this year. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 29 Aug 2018 |
Spirit of Tasmania - Deaths of Polo PoniesIt is now seven months to the day since 16 prized polo ponies died on the Spirit of Tasmania. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 29 Aug 2018 |
Animal Welfare Act - Tranche 2We asked the government about the number of greyhounds that have been killed and those that appear to have simply disappeared. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 4 Jul 2018 |
New Minister Walks Away From Predecessor's Commitment on Animal WelfareA commitment to introduce a second tranche of improvements to the Animal Welfare Act 1993 has been abandoned by the new Minister, Sarah Courtney. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 4 Jul 2018 |
Extreme Weather Event - Effect on Seals and SharksAccompanying the report of salmon pens with holes the size of trucks in the sides, we have also heard of dead seals being washed up on shorelines. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 22 May 2018 |
More Funds Needed for DPIPWE, Not Relocation of JobsThe Liberals’ plan to move DPIPWE staff from Hobart to the North and North West is hollow political pork-barreling. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 29 Jan 2018 |
Greens Back RSPCA Call to Ban Whips in Horse RacingThe Greens commend the RSPCA for their position to ban whips in horse racing industry, as a matter of priority. Banning the whip is a solid first step to making the industry more humane. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 7 Nov 2017 |
Greyhound Unmuzzling Changes WelcomeThe Greens welcome the government’s amendment to the Dog Control Act that will allow rehabilitated greyhounds to be muzzle-free. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 2 Nov 2017 |
Estimates questions on Wombats to Minister GroomAndrea Dawkins questions the Minister over the issuing of culling permits for wombats while community members are treating them to combat sarcoptic mange. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 6 Jun 2017 |
Greyhound Muzzling Changes WelcomeThe Minister for Local Government today confirmed, as a result of community pressure on amendments to the Dog Control Act, Tasmania's greyhounds are now on the pathway to becoming muzzle free. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 5 Jun 2017 |
Rockliff Must Explain Abattoir Investigation DelayThe footage taken in a Tasmanian abattoir, brought to light by animal activists today, is shocking. It shows brutal acts of animal cruelty, like bobby calves being bludgeoned, pulled by their ears and tails before being thrown onto a... Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 4 May 2017 |
Hundreds Rally to End Greyhound CrueltyHundreds rallied on Parliament Lawns today to call for an end to greyhound racing in Tasmania. It's clear there is still serious, well-founded public concern about this cruel industry. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 9 Apr 2017 |
Tasmanian Pacing Club Harness RacingCall on the Minister for Racing, Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP to approach the Tasmanian Pacing Club with a strategy to revisit the whip ban and to consider animal welfare as a matter of priority. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Nov 2016 |
Seals At RiskThe Australian fur seal is the world’s fourth rarest seal species, having been hunted to the brink of extinction last century, and is now a wholly protected animal. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 26 Oct 2016 |
Baird as Weak as Hodgman on Greyhound WelfareTens of thousands of greyhounds will be condemned to misery and death as a result of NSW Premier, Mike Baird, caving in to the industry and reversing the ban he announced two short months ago. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 11 Oct 2016 |
Animal Welfare Act to Include Mental Suffering as AbuseAndrea Dawkins tables a motion calling for the amendment of the Animal Welfare Act to include distress and mental suffering under the classification of animal cruelty. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 20 Sep 2016 |
Animal Mental Suffering IgnoredLabor and the Liberal parties today refused to acknowledge the importance of amending the Animal Welfare Act 1993 to recognise animals experience mental distress and suffering, voting down a Greens' Motion to amend the Act to improve... Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 21 Sep 2016 |
Greens Move to Include Mental Suffering in Animal Welfare LawsIncidents of animal cruelty and neglect continue to shock the Tasmanian community. We need strong animal welfare standards and laws in place to deal with them. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 18 Sep 2016 |
Greyhound Report Disappointing, Greens Call for BanThe majority Report of the Joint Select Committee on Greyhound Racing tabled today will disappoint many concerned Tasmanians. People who care about the welfare of animals will be upset not to see a ban on greyhound racing among the... Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 14 Sep 2016 |
Greyhound Racing BanIn the wake of the New South Wales Premier, Mike Baird, passing legislation to ban greyhound racing, Andrea Dawkins asks the Premier if he will do the same. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Aug 2016 |
Liberals and Labor on Wrong Side of History on GreyhoundsThe greyhound racing industry has lost its social licence. Both Labor and the Liberal parties are on the wrong side of history. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 24 Aug 2016 |
Cruel and Weak-Will Liberals Ignore Greyhound DeathsThe Premier's response in Question Time today to the 1,608 greyhounds who have been killed over the past three years was heartless. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 24 Aug 2016 |
Greens Call for Tasmanian Greyhound Racing BanAndrea Dawkins tables a motion calling on the Premier to ban greyhound racing in Tasmania. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 23 Aug 2016 |
Mass Greyhound Deaths Indictment on IndustryThe Greens have obtained a list of 1,608 greyhounds who were killed or died before their time over the last 3 and half years from the Office of Racing Integrity. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 19 Aug 2016 |
Correction: Deceased Greyhound ListOur incorrect listing of Wee Fire as a deceased greyhound was unintended, and I will correct the Parliamentary record this evening. We apologise unreservedly to Wee Fire's owner and trainer for our mistake. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 18 Aug 2016 |
Deceased Greyhounds List a Snapshot of IndustryTasRacing has released the names of 16 greyhounds reported deceased for the first six months of this year. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 17 Aug 2016 |
School Kids Show Support for RSPCA Cupcake DayRSPCA Cupcake Day 2016, officially held on Monday 16 August 2016, aims to raise funds to assist with the costs of rescuing, treating, rehabilitating and sheltering the many abandoned and mistreated animals. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Aug 2016 |
Call for Tripartite Support for Ban on Greyhound Racing with Exit StrategyAndrea Dawkins tables a motion calling for Labor and Liberal Members to join with the Greens and commit tripartite support for a ban on greyhound racing in Tasmania. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Aug 2016 |
Greyhound Re-homing Won't Erase CrueltyTasracing's claim they will re-home all ex-racing greyhounds after 1 July 2019 is a sign of desperation from an industry whose social licence is well and truly gone. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 15 Aug 2016 |
Rally Reinforces Public Opposition to Greyhound CrueltyToday's 'March for the Murdered Million' rally commemorated the thousands of dogs that die across the country every year as a result of the greyhound racing industry. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 24 Jul 2016 |
Public Distaste for Greyhound RacingMore than half of Australians want greyhound racing banned, according to the national Essential Research poll released today. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 19 Jul 2016 |
Tasmania Must Follow NSW Greyhound Racing BanThe New South Wales' Premier has recognised the inherent cruelty in greyhound racing and acted in a the best interests of animal welfare. It's surely time Tasmania did the same. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 7 Jul 2016 |
Greens Donate Excess Pay Rise to NGOsIn response to today's deadline for advising Parliament on the excessive 10.5% pay rise, we have written to the Clerk of the House advising that monies above a 2% pay rise will go to six non-government organisations. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 7 Jul 2016 |
State Budget: Address in ReplyThe Greens’ Alternative Budget is a statement of values. It restores frontline funding to education and rightly includes the state Government's share of responsibility for crumbling sewerage and water infrastructure - two important issues... Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 31 May 2016 |
Greens Table Petition to End Greyhound CrueltyWhile live baiting incidents haven't been proven in any Tasmania, it's clear the we're not immune from the practice. And we are certainly not immune the underlying cruelty in the industry. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 16 Jun 2016 |
Liberals' Animal Welfare Let DownMinister Rockliff signalled the Liberals' plan to abandon their pledge to keep strengthening the Animal Welfare Act. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 8 Jun 2016 |
Greens Alternative Budget 2016: Funds a Cruelty-Free TasmaniaThe Greens have pledged to care for the welfare of greyhounds, by allocating the amount, upwards of 5 million tax payer dollars given to prop up the industry each year to phasing out the industry over a 5 year period, and to give those in... Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 1 Jun 2016 |
Greens Budget for Cruelty Free TasmaniaThe Greens Alternative Budget recognises animals as sentient beings who deserve our care and respect. We also recognise the economic value of humane treatment of animals. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 31 May 2016 |
Excessive Pay Rise Should Go to Unfunded OrganisationsThe Legislative Council delivered the Hodgman Government everything they hoped in defeating the government's sham disallowance Motion today. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 25 May 2016 |
Funds Raised in RPSCA Million Paws Walk Vital for Protection of AnimalsThe RSPCA’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Million Paws Walk, was held on 15 May 2016 across the regions of Tasmania. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 24 May 2016 |
Call for Government to Roll Out Virtual Fencing to Reduce Wildlife FatalitiesAndrea Dawkins tables a motion calling on the government to develop a fiscal strategy to roll out virtual fencing around the State. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 3 May 2016 |
Greens Table Bill to Ban Battery HensThe Greens tabled a bill to ban battery hen farming in Tasmania in Parliament today. Our Bill reflects community expectations of modern farming practices. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 7 Apr 2016 |
Animal Welfare Disregarded in New Free-Range Egg RegulationsReforms agreed to at the recent Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting which will see eggs stocked in farms with up to 10,000 hens per hectare labelled as ‘free-range’. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 5 Apr 2016 |
Egg Labelling Only a Win for IndustryThe welfare of hens was well and truly at the bottom of the list when egg labelling laws were debated at COAG. Minister Brooks boasted loudly about consumer knowledge this morning, but what was missing entirely from his self-congratulatory... Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 5 Apr 2016 |
New Egg Laws Do Little For Hen WelfareIt's all well and good for the Liberals to claim new egg labelling laws are a win for producers and consumers, but they don't do much for the welfare of hens. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 31 Mar 2016 |
Family Violence and the Link with Animal CrueltyWe have learnt from the survivors of violence about the implicit nature of our society's acceptance of that violence. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 8 Mar 2016 |
Inspectorate Funding Cuts Exacerbate CrueltyFunding cuts to the RSPCA and the transfer of rural inspectorate work to an underfunded, and arguably conflicted, government department are at the heart of the animal welfare issues at Murrayfield. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 11 Jan 2016 |
TasRacing Soft on Animal Welfare ConcernsIn GBE Estimates today, Tas Racing CEO, Doctor Eliot Forbes, seemed to struggle to accept the reality of animal welfare issues facing the racing industry. Minister Rockliff now has a job to do and show leadership with his GBE and its CEO. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 2 Dec 2015 |
Law to Recognise Animals as Sentient BeingsThe Change.org online campaign ‘Xena’s Law’ petitions the Federal Agriculture Minister to enact legislation which would recognise animals are sentient beings. Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 28 Oct 2015 |
Consideration for Wildlife Needed During BurnoffsAndrea Dawkins tables a motion calling on the government to consider the impact of burns and fires on native wildlife when undertaking any assessment of reduction burns and bushfire management. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 14 Oct 2015 |
Live Exports and ChAFTAThe practice of live export of cattle from Australia needs only to meet with international standards, not Australian standards. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 22 Sep 2015 |
Large Animal RescueLarge Animal Rescue (LAR) involves the removal of a large animal from a place of danger to a place of safety by the most humane method, with regard for the safety and welfare of the animals, responders and members of the public. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 26 Aug 2015 |
Inaugural SpeechMadam Speaker, I was compelled to social activism at a young age when I became a vegetarian. An experienced small business owner and committed animal welfare advocate I put the two together and developed ‘Fresh on Charles’ as a hybrid... Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Jun 2015 |
Fireworks PermitsCalls on the Government to review the way Fireworks Permits are issued to ensure that people can make representation to WorkSafe Tasmania before permits are issued. Nick Mckim | Parliamentary Activity | 3 Jun 2015 |
State Greyhound Racing Industry InquiryA Greens' Motion to establish a Joint House Parliamentary Inquiry into Tasmania's greyhound racing industry looks set to pass the House of Assembly this month Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 1 Mar 2015 |
No 'Ag-Gag' Laws for TasmaniaThe Hodgman Liberal government was once again reminded that Tasmanians expect transparency and humane conditions in our farming operations. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 26 Jun 2014 |
RSPCA Funding CutsThe Hodgman Liberal majority government continued its attack on animal welfare standards in Parliament today. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 5 Jun 2014 |