The Government’s withdrawal of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill introduced in 2021, has stalled progress on key animal welfare issues. These delays have allowed the continuation of poor animal welfare practices. The then Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs assured us that the Department was “reasonably confident” it will be able to get all of its manifesto commitments into law. We welcome the recent introduction of Bills on welfare measures including livestock worrying; puppy imports; the importation of dogs, cats and ferrets; and pet abduction. We further note that the Government was relying heavily on Members who were successful in the Private Members bill ballot being willing to take on its handout bills to deliver its manifesto promises, rather than committing to bringing forward the legislation itself. While on this occasion it may prove successful, it was nonetheless a risky strategy.