Proposed overhaul of SA’s animal cruelty laws opens for public submissions
Tougher scrutiny for pet owners and protections for fish and crustaceans are being considered as part of the state’s first animal welfare review in a decade.
Pets and Wildlife
Don't miss out on the headlines from Pets and Wildlife. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Pet owners could soon face extra scrutiny over how they care for their animals as the state government begins its first major overhaul of welfare laws in 15 years.
A review, undertaken by the Department of Environment and Water, would aim to bolster the Animal Welfare Act and make it easier to prosecute acts of animal cruelty.
The public is encouraged to have their say across a number of issues, including whether the definition of “harm” should be expanded, whether stricter requirements should be put in place for owners’ care of their animals, including feeding, watering, exercising and living conditions; and whether penalties for offending should be harsher.
Under current legislation, anyone found guilty of an offence under the Animal Welfare Act faces up to four years’ jail or a $50,000 fine.
RSPCA SA chief executive Paul Stevenson said South Australia had the weakest animal cruelty laws in the country, with some acts of cruelty – such as filthy and inhumane puppy farms – too risky and expensive to prosecute.
“The RSPCA is extremely please that the government has announced this review … the opportunity to modernise our act is urgently needed,” he said.
The review’s consultation paper will also consider whether other animals, such as fish and crustaceans, should be covered under the act.
Mr Stevenson said the omission of aquatic animals was a “gap in the legislation” and that all sentient creatures should be given the protection expected by the community.
Deputy Premier and Environment Minister Susan Close said a public consultation period would allow South Australians to help shape the state’s new cruelty laws.
“We recognise this legislation needs updating to reflect community expectations that laws against cruelty should be enforceable,” Ms Close said.
Consultation will be open for contributions until March 26, with draft legislation expected by the end of the year.
‘Nonsense’ animal debate Australia simply has to have
Calls are growing louder to ban a ‘nonsense’ animal practice that runs across Australia.
Listed: South Aussie cats demanding attention on Instagram
From an Insta-famous feline trio earning their dinner treats to a bow tie-wearing RSPCA furbassador, follow these 15 SA cats to purrfect your feed.