happy woman with dog and cat on her shoulder

One Welfare

When we make life better for animals, we make it better for everyone

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Our work is guided by the One Welfare philosophy – a concept which recognises that pet welfare is intrinsically linked to human and environmental health and wellbeing.

one welfare infographic that reads environmental wellbeing, animal wellbeing and human wellbeing

We can’t have any one of these at the expense of the other two. Traditional approaches to managing strays and lost pets often have big human consequences - whether for those who can’t afford to follow strict council demands, or the vets who have to kill healthy and treatable animals. These demands are often well-intended on environmental or safety grounds, but overlook the latest data about what’s actually effective.

By taking a holistic approach, we create the best chance of solutions that deliver outcomes, while respecting the important connection between animals, humans and our shared environments.

One Welfare in action - Case Study

For Robyn*, whose home and business were being damaged by stray cats, the council’s trap and kill policy clearly wasn’t effective in stopping the problem. Little did she know, it was also distressing for Jen*, who had been feeding the cats, and posed a potential risk to wildlife further afield. Thanks to the partnership between APWF and Animal Welfare League Qld, who found Jen through doorknocking, a new approach yielded better results than everyone involved could ever have anticipated.

Donors provided fencing materials and a gate

Another neighbour, similarly, troubled by strays, pitched in to help with construction

Six volunteers helped built Jen’s cat fence in a day.

The new long-term solution that balanced the wellbeing of the animals, humans and their physical and social environment. Now happy in their new yard, the cats were no longer a nuisance in the neighbourhood, or posing a risk to wildlife. And Robyn invited her new friend Jen over for a cup of tea!

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

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