Latest News
USING THE LAW TO PROTECT ANIMALS
For more animal law news from ADO and beyond see our NEWS & EVENTS page.
05/06/2025
Local animal protection groups announce a Walk for Justice for ACT Kangaroos on 13/06/25 as the ACT Government releases its quota of 2,981 kangaroos to be killed in nature reserves by 31 July 2025.
02/06/2025
Animal Law kicks off for another year at UNSW taught by ADO Principal Lawyer Tara Ward and Animal Law Institute Solicitor Sarah Margo.
25/05/2025
The ADO holds an animal law outreach stall at RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk 2025, raising awareness about animals and the law.
23/05/2025
As part of Law Week 2025 the ADO takes part in an exhibition of local justice organisations in the ACT Courts.




Animal Defenders Office
The Animal Defenders Office (ADO) is a non-profit community legal centre specialising in animal law and animal protection matters. The ADO is inspired by the Environmental Defenders Offices, which have been around for decades protecting the environment. Now there's an office dedicated entirely to protecting animals and animal defenders. The ADO provides free advice on how the law affects animals and animal advocates, and how it can be used to protect them. We also take an active role in law reform and policy formulation regarding animals, and provide information materials designed both to increase awareness of animal protection issues and to empower the community to engage in public decision-making affecting animals.

The ADO’s mission is to use the law to protect the interests of animals and to enable compassionate choices for humans.

We are a non-profit community legal centre that depends entirely on volunteers and members, so if you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.

ADO Fundraising Wine
Like to help out the ADO by purchasing some enchanting Australian wine? The ADO is supported by Goodwill Wine, a fantastic social enterprise in Victoria that sources the best boutique wines from around Australia while donating to charities with every bottle. The ADO wines are not ‘fined’ with any animal or fish products (ie they are vegan). We will receive a minimum of 50% of the profits resulting from your purchase - cheers to that! Get yours today here: