The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has initiated a major review of animal welfare laws.
The review, in which the public are invited to have their say, is aimed at ensuring Queensland laws keep pace with community expectations.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development, Mark Furner said the review would continue to ensure that animal welfare laws remained current and protected the welfare of all animals.
“I know Queenslanders love their animals as valued members of their families, but they are also vital to agricultural production, involved in sport and recreational activities, and they assist individuals and services in areas such as quarantine and security,” Mr Furner said.
“While the current laws have served us well, they’ve been operating for 20 years without a significant review. In that time, the community’s expectations for animal welfare have evolved.”
He said the review would examine all aspects of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 to ensure it continued to meet changing community expectations and modern animal welfare practices.
“RSPCA Queensland is an important animal welfare partner with the Queensland Government and we will be working closely with them on this review,” Mr Furner said.
“I encourage anyone who has an interest in the care of animals to have a say as part of the review — whether you have pets, produce livestock for a living, or work with animals.”
He said some of the issues on which feedback was needed were: mandatory reporting by veterinary professionals of animal welfare concerns; prohibited events, regulated surgical procedures and offence exemptions; and restraining dogs in open utility vehicles and trucks.
Submissions on the animal welfare laws close on 21 May and more information and details on how to lodge a comment can be accessed at this PS News link.
