Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on animal welfare. Two constituents of mine, Annie Bourke and Jodie Chynoweth, recently contacted me regarding animal welfare and protection. I'm sure many parliamentarians currently have animals or have had animals in the past. People recognise the contribution domestic animals provide such as unconditional love, joy and companionship in most cases.

Research has shown a relationship with animals can help us positively in many ways, including lowering stress; reducing the risk of heart attack and strokes; reducing social isolation; supporting our psychological and physical wellbeing; and as assistance dogs or therapy animals providing significant aid for people with needs. I myself have animals; I've got a pet dog named Matilda, an Australian long-neck turtle, beef cattle and pet fish. Sentience says animals have consciousness and can experience and feel emotions like pleasure, pain and fear. Changing laws and personal attitudes to better protect animals both domestic and wild, with stronger enforceable penalties to deter acts of deliberate mistreatment, neglect and abuse, can make a real difference.

I'm not against hunting; I believe that hunting for food can instil an awareness of life and death in those who are doing it, to make sure that animals, fish and birds have quick passings. Best place practice within abattoirs, ensuring workers within abattoirs make every effort to consider wellbeing, is important. Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way animals are treated.'