Emu Welfare

Emus are covered by the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and the Biosecurity Regulations 2022, Section 16.

In addition, the Guidelines provide recommened best industry practice for their care and husbandry:

Animal Welfare Guidelines - Husbandry of Captive Bred Emus (PDF 945Kb)

More information

Under the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act), the keeping of Emus in Tasmania is prescribed as a regulated dealing for the purposes of section 17 (1) of the Act. Under Part 6 of the Act, registration is required to engage in a regulated dealing.

Up to and including four (4) emus may be kept without registration.
To be registered to keep five (5) or more emus, an applicant must meet conditions of registration under the

keeping of records necessary to establish the ownership of each prescribed animal farmed
standard and construction of fencing used to contain the prescribed animals
identification of the prescribed animals
the disposal of prescribed animals and their products.

For more information about registration contact AnimalWelfare.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au.

For information about importating emus into Tasmania please email Wildlife.Services@nre.tas.gov.au or call on (03) 6165 4305.