Dear Supporters,

A lot unfolded for animals in April.

There were wins, and there were setbacks, as there always are in this fight. But animals have more voices than ever, and this community is a big part of why. 

Our regional groups, working groups, Young Animal Justice Party members, volunteers, and first-time action takers are why this movement is growing. The more animal advocates rise together, the more animals are heard and seen by those with the power to protect them.

Animals can't speak for themselves, but YOU do. Every action you take is a voice for them. 

Together, we are standing up to industries that have profited from their suffering for too long. 

Alongside Emma Hurst MP in Parliament, we are constantly pushing for more, bringing us closer to a kinder future for animals, people and our planet. 

Outside NSW? Join AJP in your state/territory here

Greyhound Racing Is Losing Ground.
We're Making Sure of It. 

Wales, Scotland, and Aotearoa New Zealand have all moved to phase out greyhound racing, and the ripple effect is being felt here. In response, our greyhound working group put together a powerful letter that members and supporters across NSW can send directly to their local MP, calling for an end to greyhound racing here too. Thank you to everyone who has already taken action. If you haven't yet, see our Take Action section below to add your voice.

In Tasmania, the government has deferred its Bill to ban greyhound racing until mid-May while it works to secure the numbers needed to pass it. The deferral means more time to advocate to members of the Tasmanian upper house and urge them to support this legislation. If it passes, Tasmania would become the first Australian state to ban greyhound racing, and the pressure on every other state, including NSW, would be immense. 

In Orange NSW, the Western Regional Planning Panel has approved the greyhound racing track, and it is a disappointing result we are all feeling. The fight against it was powerful, with submissions, meetings, and determined voices. We want to thank and acknowledge every member, supporter, and local who stood with us. Our voices are on the right side of history, and we will keep fighting alongside advocates in Orange until that changes. 

Our MP Emma Hurst speaks out on cruelty penalty: Brutus, a bull mastiff, was severely emaciated and beaten to death. The man responsible received a $4,000 fine and a 10-year ban on owning animals. Emma Hurst responded: "A $4,000 fine is a very low fine for the amount of suffering that that particular animal must have undergone." Animal cruelty cases are on the rise in NSW, and penalties like this do nothing to stop it. Read more here.

Emma is pushing for an Independent Office of Animal Protection to make sure cases like Brutus's are never dismissed this way again. Sign the petition here and share it widely.

We have an NSW state members meeting on Thursday, 30th April at 7 pm, and if you become a member before the 27th, you can be there. You'll hear from Emma Hurst on why the 2027 NSW election is a critical moment for animals, get the election strategy from the NSW Committee, and connect with members and regional groups from across the state.

The 2027 election is less than a year away. There has never been a better time to join. Sign up to become a member here.

For the latest news, wins, and updates for animals, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Bluesky. We are always posting and there is always something worth sharing.

Here is how you can help animals right now

We launched a new petition to ban balloon releases in NSW. Up to 19 balloons can still be legally released at once in this state. They travel hundreds of kilometres before landing in oceans, waterways and on beaches, where wildlife including seabirds and turtles ingest them and die.

Our Greyhound Working Group has put together a letter you can send directly to your local MP. It covers the recent Wales, Scotland and Aotearoa New Zealand bans, the growing phase-out of greyhound racing overseas, and the ongoing cruelty here in NSW.

Together we can shut down greyhound racing once and for all in NSW.

Note: You'll need to be a NSW resident to take part in this one, as the letter is sent directly to your local NSW MP. 

Not in NSW? You can still take action. 
Sign our petition to bring back the ban on greyhound racing.

We Said NO to The Championships

Earlier this month, members and supporters from across the animal rights community came together outside Royal Randwick to say NO to The Championships and the industry behind it. While those inside dressed up and celebrated, we were outside exposing the truth. Horse racing is an industry built on animal suffering, and we were there to make sure everyone knew it.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, your passion and commitment made our voices heard, and those voices were for the horses. 

Port Macquarie Foreshore Markets

Our Port Macquarie Regional Group had a brilliant day at the Port Macquarie Foreshore Markets, connecting with locals, running a raffle, handing out free dog biscuits, and introducing people to Lilli and Tashi, two ambassador greyhounds who know firsthand what the racing industry puts dogs through. 

New members signed up on the day too, and we are so grateful to everyone who came along and helped make our kind community a little bigger.  ❤️

The group will be back on Saturday, 9th May. Come along if you're in the area!

We Stood Against Blacktown Rodeo

On Saturday 18th April, AJP members and supporters gathered in Blacktown to speak out against the Sydney Rodeo. 

They showed up with signs, creative costumes, and flyers handed directly to the public, making sure passers-by stopped, read, and listened.

Rodeos are animal abuse. Flank straps, calf roping, children riding mini bulls bred with deformities, none of it is family “entertainment.”

The animals needed your voices and you were there. Thank you. 🐂

We’re fighting for change, but we need you with us.

The 2027 NSW election is less than a year away. We need as many people as possible behind us to get Emma re-elected and keep animals on the political agenda.

Emma has championed reforms to end greyhound racing, toughen laws against animal abusers, and secure backing for Australia's first Independent Office of Animal Protection.

She can only keep fighting with your support behind her.

This is the time that truly counts.

Young AJP
Moo to Ewe Sanctuary Volunteer Day

Recently, our Young AJP members headed out to Moo to Ewe Sanctuary in Palmdale for a volunteer working bee. The day was hands-on from start to finish, with the group tackling weeding, painting, and fencing, all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a sanctuary running. And of course, they got to spend some time with the lovely residents too.🐑🐄

Thank you to everyone who attended! 

🎥 Watch the full reel on TikTok here

If you're 30 or younger and passionate about animals, Young AJP is where you belong! 

For just $11 a year, you'll get access to sanctuary visits, social and advocacy events, and a fun and inviting community that takes powerful actions for animals.

Something is always on across NSW for animals. Market stalls, rallies, protests, and social catch-ups. Come along and be part of it. Showing up and being a voice for animals is one of the greatest things you can do, and we have a friendly and welcoming community right beside you. 

3 May - Save Community Cats Rally, Martin Place, Sydney
View Facebook Event Page

9 May - Empty The Tanks Rally, Coffs Harbour
View Facebook Event Page

9 May - AJP Stall at Westport Foreshore Markets
View Facebook Event Page

24 May - AJP Stall at Pets Life Festival, Newcastle
View Facebook Event Page

Check out each event's Facebook page for details, or drop us an email at [email protected] if you have questions or want to let us know you're coming. 

These are just some of what's coming up. Check out the full calendar below!

Stay safe and look out for wildlife this long weekend

With more people on the roads this ANZAC Day long weekend, wildlife are more at risk. If you come across a sick, injured or orphaned animal, please reach out to one of the services below.

WIRES: 1300 094 737
Sydney Wildlife: (02) 9413 4300

Download the NSW wildlife rescue app

View our Wildlife Rescue 101 Guide

Meet our cover stars for this month ⭐

This month's banner features a mother humpback whale breaching off the Sydney coastline, her calf lunging beside her. She is leaping to protect her calf from predators, and it is breathtaking to witness.

The annual humpback migration has already begun, with whales spotted off Coogee earlier than usual this year. And with Mother's Day just around the corner, it felt like the perfect moment to celebrate one of nature's most devoted mothers.

Around 60,000 humpbacks will move along Australia's coastline between now and November. If you're near the coast, keep an eye out. A tail slap, a misty blow, or if you're lucky, a full breach.

You can help protect them by keeping drone and boat distances, reducing plastic and noise pollution, and reporting any distressed or entangled whales to ORRCA on 02 9415 3333.

The NSW State Election in March 2027 is fast approaching - and the work to protect animals and get Emma re-elected starts now. Thanks to your support, Emma Hurst has already achieved major wins for animals in Parliament, including stronger cruelty laws, a ban on forced swim and smoking tests, and she continues to hold powerful animal‑exploiting industries to account. 

Keep Emma in NSW Parliament Fighting for Animals

With your help, Emma can keep driving this progress and ensure animals remain firmly on the political agenda.

Your donation today helps power the movement she leads, and builds the foundation for the victory animals so desperately need - and that is getting Emma re-elected for another 8 years.

Outside NSW? Join AJP in your state/territory here

If you are not able to donate, you can still help by becoming a member,
volunteering, sharing our campaigns or encouraging others to join. Contact [email protected] to get involved.

Thank you for standing with animals and helping us build the power needed to protect them.

In solidarity with all animals,

The Animal Justice Party NSW Team and NSW State Committee

As always, thank you for all you do for animals.

The Animal Justice Party NSW Team

Animal Justice Party NSW
nsw.animaljusticeparty.org

 Suite 55/20 Meagher St, Chippendale, NSW 2008