Poultry welfare
This page includes information about the current and upcoming regulatory requirements for the care and management of poultry. These requirements apply to all ages and types of poultry (such as fowls, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, guinea fowl, partridges, quail and pigeons), whether kept commercially or as a hobby.
Current regulatory requirements
To understand your obligations to ensure the welfare of poultry that either you own or are in your care, see:
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – for an overview of legislation and other information about the act.
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 – protects the welfare of animals in Victoria and applies equally to all species, including farmed birds.
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 – regulates specific activities, including the transport of animals.
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016 – describes specific requirements for the housing of layer hens.
There are also a range of codes of practice that apply to poultry species. These codes of practice are made under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. They set out recommended minimum standards and practices for the keeping of a wide range of species and animal-related activities.
- Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Poultry – describes additional recommended practices for the housing and handling of chickens farmed for egg and meat production.
- Code of Practice for the Husbandry of Captive Emus – a guide for all people responsible for the welfare and husbandry of emus that are bred and/or reared in captivity.
- Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals on Private Game Reserves Licensed to Hunt Game Birds – aims to prevent cruelty and encourage the considerate treatment of introduced game birds that are reared for release to be hunted on a private game reserve that is licensed to do so.
New Poultry Welfare Standards
Starting from early 2026, there will be new regulations for how to care for and manage all types of poultry in Victoria.
Victoria will implement the standards from the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (Poultry Welfare Standards) into legislation. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016 will be updated to mandate welfare standards for all poultry species.
The new requirements will improve poultry welfare and provide certainty to industry, the community and markets.
Further information can be found on the New Poultry Welfare Standards webpage.
To stay updated about changes to Victoria’s poultry regulations, subscribe to receive information and resources as they become available.
Report your concern about the welfare of poultry
If you're concerned about the welfare of poultry, contact our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 and ask to speak with an animal health officer or district veterinary officer.