Qld animal welfare laws to get first overhaul in two decades

Animal testing and vets’ mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty are on the table as Queensland’s animal welfare laws are reviewed. HAVE YOUR SAY

The use of animals in scientific testing and whether vets should be legally bound to report suspected animal cruelty is under the microscope as the State Government undertakes the first review of its animal welfare laws in two decades.

Queenslanders have been invited to have their say on changes to the laws on issues including the use of baits and traps, restraining dogs in utes and other open vehicles, and whether the current penalties for animal cruelty offences are harsh enough.

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said it was time the laws were updated to ensure they remained in step with community expectations surrounding animal welfare and protection.

“I know Queenslanders love their animals as valued members of their families,” Mr Furner said.

“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.

“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.”

The RSPCA has previously called on the Government to make it easier for prohibition orders to be granted.

RSPCA Queensland Wacol Animal Care Centre’s Michael Beatty

RSPCA Queensland Wacol Animal Care Centre spokesman Michael Beatty said in December, when the review was announced, that his organisation would like to be able to enforce a prohibition order made in another state and be able to get a prohibition order without first needing a person convicted of an offence.

“If there were some way under the Act we could get a prohibition order without having to go the lengthy and expensive route of trying to get somebody to court, that would be great,” he said.

“(It could be) the same way a warrant is obtained – you go to a magistrate and lay out the case.”

Mr Furner said the Government was working very closely with the RSPCA on the review.

“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.

Currently the maximum penalty for an individual convicted of cruelty to animals is $266,900- or three years imprisonment under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

There are also offences for severe animal cruelty under the Criminal Code Act 1899 which have a maximum penalty of seven years in jail.

Other offences of breach of duty of care to an animal and unreasonable abandonment of an animal carry penalties up to one year in prison and fines up to $40,035.

Organisations and people wanting to have their say should do so before midnight on May 21 by visiting biosecurity.qld.gov.au and searching for ‘ACPA review’ to complete the survey or submit a written response.