Stronger Animal Welfare laws passed

The Tasmanian Parliament has today passed laws that will crack down on animal cruelty and send a clear message that we will not stand for acts of cruelty.

The Upper House today showed strong support for these crucial amendments that will strengthen and modernise the Animal Welfare Act 1993.

These amendments will crack down on offenders by increasing the penalty for aggravated cruelty to up to five years and strengthen penalties across the board to send a strong message and increase deterrence against acts of animal cruelty.

The amendments also increase the accountability and professional standards of animal welfare officers, who enforce the Act.

We have also taken swift and appropriate action to include further amendments following an investigation into greyhound racing.

These amendments relate to the powers of animal welfare officers to enter, search and inspect premises and to collect evidence of an offence, and to better define aggravated cruelty, which will help the RSPCA and other animal welfare officers undertake their work.

We are serious about making the animal welfare system in Tasmania better.

While legislation is important it is only part of the solution for delivering better outcomes for animals and also pet owners, farmers and food producers.

That’s why together with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee we will now build on their 2013 legislative review report and provide further advice on the best approach to improving our animal welfare system, not just through regulation.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water