Find an Expert
When a professional’s opinion is challenged, it’s not just their expertise that’s on trial.
In our experience, high-stakes cases involving animal welfare, biosecurity, trade, or any one of a thousand other areas that affect animals, people, money, and much more, the credibility of an expert witness can make or break a case.
Therefore, for organisations, lawyers, and others seeking – and frequently relying on – expert opinions, it is crucial to engage a professional who is not only knowledgeable about their field but also fully prepared for the intense scrutiny that often accompanies courtroom proceedings.
ANZAEC is reassurance that you've got one of the preferred experts.
WHY THE RIGHT EXPERT MATTERS
You’d like to think that all an expert has to do is answer the questions they’re asked. Of course, in reality, it’s not that simple.
Adept litigators routinely challenge the opinions of so-called experts in ways they often don’t see coming. When a professional’s opinion is challenged, it’s not just their expertise on trial – it’s their ability to present findings clearly, defend them under cross-examination, adhere to legal standards of impartiality and accuracy while giving their evidence, and much more.
At ANZAEC, we ensure that our members are equipped with the courtroom skills necessary to withstand these challenges. Our training focuses on key areas – from preparing initial records and reports to delivering testimony – that, in our experience, are often overlooked, mishandled, or represent areas of weakness that offer opposing council the opportunity to exploit to the detriment of the client’s case, the lawyer’s aspirations, and the credibility of the witness.
ANZAEC’s training and membership provide reassurance that the expert has been thoroughly familiarised with the essentials of animal law, shown how to avoid common pitfalls to produce clear and defensible reports, understands their legal obligations, and can confidently manage the pressures of being the cross-examined authority on the stand.
So, when your argument, position, reputation, current situation, or future plans depend on the credibility and performance of your experts, that’s where an ANZAEC-trained expert is the preferred choice for authoritative opinions that can be trusted to withstand the highest levels of legal examination.
Animal experts know their craft. But understanding how to present that expertise - and how to safeguard their credibility - in a legal, regulatory, or courtroom context is another matter.
WHAT WE DO
If it matters, it deserves an accredited expert
In cases involving animal welfare, biosecurity, trade, regulation, production, or public safety, a credible expert can be the difference between a clear resolution and a contested outcome.
Yet too often, expert evidence becomes vulnerable—not due to a lack of knowledge, but due to poor preparation, unclear reports, or unfamiliarity with the courtroom process.
That’s why lawyers, regulators, councils, insurers, advocacy groups, and individuals turn to ANZAEC.
Our members are:
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Trained in the legal responsibilities of expert evidence
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Familiar with courtroom procedure and cross-examination
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Skilled in producing precise, professional reports
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Vetted for subject matter competence and legal readiness
FINDING THE BETTER EXPERT FOR YOU
As the premier professional organisation for animal experts across Australia and New Zealand, ANZAEC offers a directory of highly qualified members ready to support legal, regulatory, and organisational needs.
Through our expert referral service, we act as a neutral, third-party liaison to connect you with the right expert witness for your case or project. Our selection process carefully considers the nature of your needs, the specific experience and knowledge required, qualifications, location, and budget to identify a professional best suited to support you.
Our members include professionals whose work directly or indirectly involves animals and, consequently, intersects with matters of law in fields such as:
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animal health and welfare,
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biosecurity and disease control relevant to animals,
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animal trade and transport,
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food safety and animal production,
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animal training, behaviour and handling,
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pharmaceuticals tested on, or used on, animals
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animal service providers, and
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other professionals, consultants and advisors whose activities involve animals, animal products and animal practices.
When you reach out to ANZAEC, we take into account:
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The nature of your case or investigation
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The species and sector involved
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The jurisdiction and deadlines
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Any preferences for location, language, or specialisation.
From there, we suggest one or more ANZAEC-certified professionals best suited to assist.
CONTACT ANZAEC
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