Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022 - rehoming dogs and cats

The Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022 came into effect on 25 November 2022, amending both the Animal Research Act 1985 and the Animal Research Regulation 2021, and introducing mandatory rehoming of dogs and cats kept for use in research in New South Wales.  The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is responsible for administering and enforcing the Animal Research Act 1985.

DPIRD, in conjunction with the Animal Research Review Panel, has developed a suite of resources, including a guideline and several templates (for optional use) to assist authorised persons in interpreting and demonstrating compliance with this amendment.

• Guideline for compliance with the Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022
• Templates:
  • Animal information
  • Rehoming agreement
  • Certificate for animals unsuitable for rehoming
  • Record of animal rehoming

To apply to keep a dog or cat for longer than 3 years (under section 54C(4)(a) of the Animal Research Act 1985), please see the licensing forms page.

Transitional clause

Schedule 3 Part 3 (4) of the Animal Research Act 1985 outlines the application of a transitional clause pertaining to Part 6A of the Animal Research Act 1985:

Part 3 Provisions consequent on enactment of Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022

4  Animals kept for research before commencement

(1) Part 6A does not apply to an animal that was being kept for research by an accredited research establishment or the holder of an animal research authority immediately before the Part’s commencement.
(2) This clause ceases to have effect 3 years after the commencement of this Act, Part 6A.

This transitional clause ceased to have effect on 25 November 2025

Part 6A of the Animal Research Act 1985 now applies uniformly to all cats and dogs kept for research by authorised persons (the definition of an “authorised person” in Part 6A of the Animal Research Act 1985 includes accredited research establishments and animal research authority holders)

Authorised persons and/or associated AEC Chairpersons overseeing the keeping of dogs and cats for use in research are encouraged to review the Animal Research Act 1985 and Animal Research Regulation 2021 to fully appreciate the now uniform change to your obligations regarding dogs and cats kept for research.