25 November 2014

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water

Better Animal Welfare Protection Measures

The Liberal Government is cracking down on animal cruelty by modernising and strengthening Tasmania's animal welfare system.

Today we have introduced amendments to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act 1993 which will:

• Increase penalties for animal cruelty, to reinforce the community's expectation that animal cruelty is unacceptable. For aggravated cruelty, the maximum custodial sentence will increase from 18-months to up to five years;
• Address community concerns, especially from rural constituents about appropriate professional standards and accountability of all animal welfare inspectors; and
• Enable the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to undertake its important role more efficiently and effectively.

After swift action, new standards and guidelines to address issues and concerns regarding puppy-farms will soon be enforceable through regulation.

Importantly, pet owners and farmers with working dogs who already look after their dogs will not be burdened with additional requirements.

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 the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee 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.

The Liberal Government is serious about making the animal welfare system in Tasmania better.

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