Penalties Must Reflect the Severity of Animal Cruelty
The Tasmanian Greens today accepted a petition consisting of over 7000 signatures from Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, which calls for stronger penalties to be enforced for people who are found guilty of abuse, neglect or hurting animals.
Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said stronger penalties need to be enforced if the community is to have any confidence that cruelty against animals is being considered a serious issue.
“The Greens have long been strong advocates for the protection of animal welfare, and we support the work of the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania in encouraging magistrates to penalise offenders seriously through reforming the Animal Welfare Act,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Time and time again we see cases before the courts that can take years to finalise, only for offenders to be handed a disproportionate penalty, which offers little incentive not to re-offend, and is out of step with community expectation.”
“There is a growing body of scientific research indicating clear psychological links between animal cruelty and tendencies to violence. This needs to be addressed, not only for our animals, but for our communities.”
“Reforming the Animal Welfare Act would specify greater penalties for people convicted of animal neglect or cruelty and would enable our courts to deliver adequate protection for animals.”
“The community is fed up of seeing justice watered-down to people who offend against defenceless animals, and it is time the message is made loud, strong and clear that Tasmania does not tolerate animal cruelty,” Ms O’Connor said.
Ms O’Connor will table the petition with over 7000 signatures in the House of Assembly upon the resumption of Parliament this week.
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson
