Explained: Qld’s proposed new animal welfare laws

People who neglect their animals face an extra two years in jail under new animal welfare laws proposed that would also crack down on unsecured dogs in cars. Here’s what you need to know.

People who neglect their animals face an extra two years in jail under new animal welfare laws proposed that would also crack down on unsecured dogs in cars.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced amendments to the Animal Care and Protection Laws after the most significant review of the legislation in 20 years.

They will create a new offence of aggravated breach of care, carrying a three-year maximum jail term or a fine of $275,700 for people who don’t feed or seek medical care for their animals.

The new offence targets people whose lack of care causes the death, serious deformity, serious disability or prolonged suffering of an animal.

The new offence extends upon the current breach of care offence, which only carries a one-year maximum jail term and $41,355 fine.

Amendments to the Animal Care and Protection Laws have been introduced to parliament.

Mr Furner said it was a recognition that an animal suffers significant pain and distress when it dies from malnutrition, dehydration, and neglect of injuries.

“This maximum penalty aligns with the maximum penalty under the Act for animal cruelty and is intended to cover situations such as we saw in late 2019 where a number of horses died after prolonged neglect,” he said.

The laws will also prohibit the transport of an unsecured dog on the back of a ute or trailer, or a dog that travels with more than its head out of a car window, with a new $8271 fine.

It comes after the death or injury of an estimated 5000 dogs a year after being hit by tree branches, struck by another vehicle, dragged along the side of vehicles after falling out or who jump from moving vehicles.

Dogs assisting in moving livestock will be exempt.

Laws will also:

- Prohibit the use of “pronged collars”;

- Make clear rodeos are not a prohibited event;

- Prohibit the use of pig poison on feral animals because it can lead to secondary poisoning of other animals;

- Outlaw “firing” or “blistering” practices, where extreme heat, cold, chemicals or acid is applied to the leg of a horse or dog to treat tendon injuries;

- Allow inspectors greater rights of entry to residences to attend to animal welfare matters;

- Allow vets to euthanase a sick or injured animal when the owner cannot be located to end pain and suffering; and

- Require CCTV at horse slaughterhouses to curb animal cruelty, with inspectors given rights to enter without consent;

Mr Furner said the amendments ensured strong animal welfare laws that were practical, enforceable and had appropriate penalties.

Public submissions will now be taken on the laws before they are voted on in parliament.