New laws cracking down on people ill-treating animals have been announced by the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner.
To be directed at people found committing breaches of their duty of care to animals, Mr Furner said they could expect the neglect of animals will carry severe consequences.
“Under our proposed amendments people convicted of aggravated breaches of duty of care to animals face up to three years in jail, or maximum fines of more than $275,000,” Mr Furner said.
“I’m thrilled that more than 2,300 people had their say on the review of our animal welfare laws,” he said.
He said that following their feedback, amendments to the Animal Care and Protection Act include:
* A new offence for aggravated breaches of the duty of care, with a maximum penalty of more than $275,000 or 3 years imprisonment;
* Clarification of some inspector powers in relation to entry and compliance with animal welfare directions;
* Clarification of minimum standards for making codes of practice under the Act, including on the basis of scientific evidence; and
* Clarification of the scientific use of animals, including alignment of the scientific use provisions to the Australian Scientific Use Code;
He said there were also a new framework for cattle spaying and pregnancy testing by lay persons; A requirement for dogs to be restrained on vehicles, with an exemption for working dogs; Prohibition of the use and possession of pronged dog collars; and
Prohibition on the use of yellow phosphorous pig poison.
“The proposed amendments will also include some legislative changes recommended by the Inquiry into animal cruelty in the management of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Queensland and an audit undertaken by the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) in 2021,” Mr Furner said
He said the Bill would be examined by a Parliamentary Committee and stakeholders and the community would be invited to provide feedback on the proposed amendments as part of that process before any amendments to the Act were made.
“The amendments will demonstrate to the community and trading partners that Queensland meets community and market expectations in relation to animal welfare,” the Minister said.
Information about the proposed law update can be accessed at this PS News link.
