Who we are, and why we formed this group.
The Animal Care and Protection Group is a Victorian grassroots animal welfare advocacy organisation dedicated to improving the lives of animals through legislative reform, public education, research and constructive engagement with government, regulators and industry.
Why the Group Was Formed
The Animal Care and Protection Group was established from a growing concern that many animal welfare problems are symptoms of deeper failures within legislation, regulation and enforcement.
Across Victoria and Australia, countless dedicated rescuers, carers, veterinarians and advocates work tirelessly to assist animals in need. Yet too often they are left responding to problems that could have been prevented through stronger laws, better oversight and earlier intervention.
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The group was formed to focus on those underlying causes.
We believe that animal welfare outcomes improve when governments have access to well-researched proposals, when decision-makers hear directly from informed members of the community, and when legislation reflects both scientific knowledge and community expectations.
Our work therefore centres on identifying gaps in existing laws, researching best-practice animal welfare standards and developing practical recommendations for reform.
Rather than focusing solely on individual cases, we seek to create systemic change that benefits animals for generations to come.
We advocate for stronger protections, greater transparency, independent oversight and policies that prioritise prevention rather than reaction.
By improving the systems that govern animal welfare, we believe we can achieve better outcomes for all animals.
About the Founder
Tracey Asquith
Victorian animal welfare advocate
The Animal Care and Protection Group was founded by Tracey Asquith, a Victorian animal welfare advocate committed to advancing stronger protections for animals through research, policy development and public advocacy.
Living with a physical disability means that Tracey is no longer able to participate in many of the hands-on animal care activities she once would have liked to undertake. Instead, she has dedicated her time and energy to using her voice, writing skills and determination to advocate for animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Through extensive research, correspondence and policy development, Tracey works to identify practical pathways towards higher animal welfare standards across Victoria.
Her work includes drafting legislative reform proposals, preparing submissions, writing to government agencies and elected representatives, supporting public awareness campaigns and developing long-term policy solutions aimed at preventing cruelty and improving animal welfare outcomes.
Tracey believes every person can contribute to animal welfare in different ways. While some rescue, rehabilitate and foster animals directly, others can help by educating, advocating, researching and working to improve the systems that shape the lives of animals.
The Animal Care and Protection Group reflects that belief: that meaningful change can begin with a single voice, a well-researched idea and a commitment to creating a more compassionate future for all animals.