After wide consultation with animal welfare groups, councils, the pastoral industry, native wildlife bodies and Territorians generally, a new Animal Welfare Act was brought into effect last year. The Minister for Local Government has carriage of this legislation.
The new Act replaced the old and outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The objectives of the new legislation are to ensure that animals are treated humanely; to prevent cruelty to animals; and to promote community awareness about the welfare of animals.
The Act recognises that there are differing standards of care required for companion animals compared to livestock in remote Outback pastoral areas.
A number of offences are created in the Act, including the following.
- Cruelty or neglect
- Failure to provide appropriate food, drink and shelter
- Failing to obtain veterinary treatment
- Abandoning an animal
Metal jawed traps, sharpened spurs and animal fighting are banned. It is also an offence to not restrain a dog on or in a moving vehicle so as to prevent the dog falling from the vehicle.
Other offences include poisoning, misusing electrical devices, and unreasonable confinement, transport or tethering.
Penalties under the Act include fines up to $10,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment; fines for continuing offences; confiscation of animals; orders against possessing an animal. Inspectors may issue enforceable orders in respect of the care and treatment of an animal. Where the RSPCA initiates a court action, any fines are appropriated to that organisation.
The Minister has established an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to make recommendations about codes of practice, the legislation, or other animal welfare matters.
The issue of tail docking of dogs is under consideration at present.
Two codes of practice have been adopted to date, dealing with use of animals for research or teaching; and destruction, or capture and handling, of feral livestock animals.
The Department of Local Government has set up an Animal Welfare Unit. For further information contact Alice Henderson, telephone (08) 8999 8418.
