Animal Welfare In the past some animals have been neglected, cruelly treated and abused. Concern is held for animals kept in: - The community eg homes and pet shops - By agriculturalists eg grazers - Research institutions - Schools - Processing and handling facilities eg saleyards abattoirs The community feels there is a moral duty to respect all living things and minimise harm to animals. Acts have been established to protect animals eg, NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, which prohibits neglect and cruelty to all animals. These acts are enforced by many authorities eg, NSW agriculture, NSW police, & RSPCA.