Update Animal Welfare Act 2006's scope for duty of care to include invertebrates
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 does not cover invertebrate animals. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 has since recognized some invertebrates as sentient. Nearly all invertebrates have a true nervous system if there is even the potential, they must be protected.
Signatures
130
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 130/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 130/100,000
- 20 FEB 2026Petition closedFinal total: 130 signatures
- 20 AUG 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
Some invertebrates have been found to have sentience, almost all invertebrates have a true nervous system (varying in complexity). We think no living thing should be allowed to suffer. It is our duty to ensure invertebrates are added to the Animal Welfare Act, 2006). We think current protections for invertebrates are unacceptable from an ethical standpoint - why should invertebrates not at least be given the bare minimum?