The government says the new animal welfare laws will reflect the community’s wishes. Photo: Iakob Chuk.
The Minns Government in NSW is delivering on a commitment to better protect animals by progressing a review of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), with a set of proposed changes to the legislation.
The proposed amendments are the most comprehensive reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, which the government says is in line with community expectations.
The planned changes include the creation of offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, banning the use of prong collars, tougher laws to curb animal fighting, legislation against possessing glue traps, which are illegal to set in NSW, and the removal of barriers to human intervention in critical situations, allowing POCTAA inspectors to administer pain relief to animals where necessary.
“These proposed new laws address significant gaps in animal welfare,” Animal Welfare League NSW chief executive officer Stephen Albin said.
“This package of proposed laws addresses some of the worst examples of animal cruelty.”
Despite a lack of a single complaints register, in the six years leading to 2024/25, RSPCA NSW data identified more than 500 reports from members of the public about dogs being locked in cars.
Changes have been informed by extensive stakeholder consultation, scientific evidence and data regarding animal welfare.
More than 7000 submissions have been received by the government throughout the consultation process, including feedback on the reform of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation.
The government said community feedback on the issue had highlighted the public’s strong desire for greater animal protection.
“I’ve heard firsthand community views that put expectations on our government to take action and set these matters right,” Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said.
“Fair-minded people and industry stakeholders are requesting improved compliance and enforcement of animal welfare laws.”
Key discussions with stakeholders will go ahead soon and the government expects to present a bill to State Parliament in the first half of this year.
The Minns Government has pointed out its achievements in animal welfare over the past two years in office, including a ban on puppy farms, delivering $25.3 million in funding for approved charity organisations to enforce animal welfare, and reforming the law to prevent those convicted of animal cruelty from keeping and breeding animals.
