Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst calls for mandatory animal bans for those found guilty of bestiality

There is a shocking loophole for people convicted of bestiality that gives them the chance to repeat the vile act - but there’s a push to change that.

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst says that despite more than 139 recorded incidents of bestiality across the state since 2000, there had been no animal bans in NSW as a result of any convictions of bestiality. Picture: Tim Hunter

The NSW Animal Justice Party says people convicted of bestiality charges are still able to own or work alongside animals, and is calling on the government to impose lifetime bans.

MP Emma Hurst said that despite more than 139 recorded incidents of bestiality across the state since 2000, there had been no animal bans in NSW as a result of any convictions of bestiality.

Currently, the maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty is a $22,000 fine or two years in jail.

But the law does not mandate a lifetime ban on animal ownership for those convicted of aggravated animal cruelty and bestiality.

“This means that those found guilty of sexually abusing animals in NSW are still legally able to care for and work with animals, and could go on to repeat this heinous act on other animals,” she said.

“The Animal Justice Party is advocating for mandatory lifetime bans on caring or working with animals for those convicted of bestiality in NSW.”

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst wants mandatory animal bans for those found guilty of bestiality. Picture: Monique Harmer/NCA NewsWire

Mandatory animal bans for those found guilty of bestiality is set to be debated in NSW parliament next week, when the House considered legislation to increase penalties for animal abuse.

The legislation proposed massive eight-fold increases in animal abuse penalties from $5500 to $44,000.

Ms Hurst welcomed the government’s legislation, but said “it does not go far enough” and would put forward an amendment which would see any person convicted of bestiality receive a lifelong ban on caring for an animal.

“Anyone who aggressively harms or sexually abuses an animal is a danger to the community and other animals,” she said.

“No animal should remain in their so-called care. In fact, research shows that those who sexually abuse animals are more likely to sexually abuse humans.”

Ms Hurst is hoping the amendment would win the support of the upper house.

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