PALS@PILCH

PILCH’s Pro Bono Animal Legal Service, or ‘PALS@PILCH’, was established in 2008. The project is guided by an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from Lawyers for Animals, Voiceless, Animals Australia, the Victorian Bar and PILCH member firms.

PALS@PILCH primarily provides assistance to organisations which aim to:

• Protect endangered species and native wildlife;
• Promote biodiversity;
• Advocate for the ethical treatment of animals; and
• Increase public awareness of animal welfare and conditions.

The service was initially based in Sydney and was established in response to a growing need by animal protection organisations to access high quality, expert legal advice and representation to advance animal welfare through the legal system, including ensuring that existing legal protection mechanisms are enforced through the courts.

PALS@PILCH: works with peak animal protection non-government organisations; acts as a broker between concerned individuals, peak animal protection organisations and the legal sector; and seeks to ensure that organisations with a substantial knowledge and a legitimate interest in the area of animal protection are able to participate in and contribute to the formulation of legislative and regulatory animal welfare frameworks as they develop.

PALS@PILCH will also undertake policy and law reform work on significant animal welfare issues, within its areas of priority.

As further information regarding the project’s activities is developed it will be made available here.