Harsher penalties for animal abusers in NT

TERRITORIANS who injure or kill innocent animals will now face harsher penalties, following the introduction of the NT Government’s new Animal Protection Act

TERRITORIANS who injure or kill innocent animals will now face harsher penalties, following the introduction of the NT Government’s new Animal Protection Act.

In NT Parliament yesterday, representatives voted to repeal the existing Animal Welfare Act and adopt a new bill with stronger animal welfare policies. Under the new act, the maximum jail term for those found guilty increased from two years to five years, and the maximum fine leapt from $31,000 to $77,500.

RSPCA chief executive Jessica Moore-Jones said while she welcomed parts of the new bill, the changes didn’t go far enough.

“It’s missing a few vital elements,” she said.

Ms Moore-Jones said in the new bill, inspectors needed to give notice before entering a property — which in some drafts was as long as 48 hours.

“Waiting 48 hours could mean life or death for some animals,” she said. Ms Jones was also “disappointed” to note a clause in the bill allowed for native title hunting.

“We need to do more to prevent unnecessarily suffering,” she said.

“This would allow cultural hunters to take off a limb an animal to prevent it from escaping, or eating its flesh while its alive.”

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Opposition Leader Gary Higgins also objects to the traditional hunting clause.

“The Opposition’s primary concern about the amendments of this bill includes the provision of traditional hunting methods which are covered off under Commonwealth Legislation encompassing Land Rights and Native Title,” he said.

“I therefore question the need to incorporate the same provisions in this legislation.”

The NT News understands hunting in accordance with Aboriginal traditional law and custom is already protected in the NT.

The new legislation includes a defence for Aboriginal people whose hunting conduct complies with traditional law, but will now allow animals to be tortured. Primary Industries Minister Ken Vowles said the new act was a “big step forward” for the welfare and protection of animals in the Territory.

“Our animals will benefit from stronger laws around animal cruelty and harsher penalties for those who commit it,” he said.

Last year, the death of Fannie Bay Equestrian Club’s 19-year-old horse Pearly horrified Territorian and sparked a conversation about animal cruelty.

FBEC president Marc Gallagher said it was a terrible incident, but the club was trying to work past it.

“What’s done is done and that was the law on the day with him being a juvenile” he said.

“Hopefully he’s now learnt from it.”