Animals Australia is Australia's foremost animal protection organisation, representing some 40 member societies and thousands of individual supporters throughout Australia.
Our investigations and campaigns are recognised the world over. We unite millions of people who believe in a world where animals are free from cruelty.
Animals Australia’s vision is a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect and are free from cruelty. We believe that we can create a kinder world for all by fostering respect for animals and that our treatment of animals reflects who we are as individuals and as a society.
Animals Australia was formed in 1980. We were originally called the Australian Federation of Animal Societies (AFAS). Co-Founders Professor Peter Singer and Mrs Christine Townend recognised the need to unite the many animal protection groups in Australia to provide a united and strong voice on behalf of animals. A primary activity of the first decade of 'AFAS' was lobbying for and then actively contributing to the Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare (its 11 reports are still key documents ). In 1986 the federation introduced 'individual membership' in addition to the society membership structure, and also accepted New Zealand member groups; changing our name to Australian and New Zealand Federation of Animal Societies (ANZFAS). In the late 1990s we reverted to Australian groups only, and the name 'Animals Australia' was adopted. The organisation now uniquely undertakes two interwoven roles — as a peak body representing a large number of grass roots groups, and a campaign-focussed organisation working to raise community awareness of animal suffering and promote reform.
Our investigations and campaigns are recognised the world over. We unite millions of people who believe in a world where animals are free from cruelty.
Animals Australia’s vision is a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect and are free from cruelty. We believe that we can create a kinder world for all by fostering respect for animals and that our treatment of animals reflects who we are as individuals and as a society.
Animals Australia was formed in 1980. We were originally called the Australian Federation of Animal Societies (AFAS). Co-Founders Professor Peter Singer and Mrs Christine Townend recognised the need to unite the many animal protection groups in Australia to provide a united and strong voice on behalf of animals. A primary activity of the first decade of 'AFAS' was lobbying for and then actively contributing to the Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare (its 11 reports are still key documents ). In 1986 the federation introduced 'individual membership' in addition to the society membership structure, and also accepted New Zealand member groups; changing our name to Australian and New Zealand Federation of Animal Societies (ANZFAS). In the late 1990s we reverted to Australian groups only, and the name 'Animals Australia' was adopted. The organisation now uniquely undertakes two interwoven roles — as a peak body representing a large number of grass roots groups, and a campaign-focussed organisation working to raise community awareness of animal suffering and promote reform.
