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>>>>>> Prison and big fines in new animal cruelty

law

Matthew Franklin, state political editor

31jul01

PEOPLE who are cruel to animals will face a

$75,000 fine or two-year jail term

under tough new laws before State Parliament

today.

 

And under the proposed law, people who organise or

even attend "prohibited

events" such as cockfights or dog fights will face

a year in jail and a fine up to

$22,500.

 

New restrictions in the law would mean only

veterinarians could conduct

surgical procedures such as docking the tails of

dogs andcattle, cropping dogs'

ears, debarking dogs and declawing cats.

 

But the legislation would allow farmers to

continue with normal livestock

management practices such as castrating animals or

docking tails, provided

they are done in accordance with existing industry

codes of practice.

 

The Animal Care and Protection Bill, approved late

yesterday by Labor MPs,

will replace the 76-year-old Animal Protection

Act, which has maximum fines of

only $1500 for cruelty.

 

It will create a general offence of cruelty,

covering beating, abusing or terrifying

animals as well as inhumane killing and

transporting animals unfit for transport.

Owners will also be expected to provide proper

food and living conditions for

animals in their care.

 

Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczcuk said

last night it had taken 15

years of consultation to produce the new law,

which he said had the backing of

all relevant industry and welfare groups.

 

"This is a law that really will make a

difference," Mr Palaszczcuk said.

 

"It represents a complete change in mind-set and I

think it will become a

blueprint for animal protection laws around the

nation."

 

Mr Palaszczcuk said the law would also focus on

educating the public about

animal welfare and give inspectors the power of

early intervention in emerging

cruelty cases.

 

Inspectors acting on complaints would be able to

issue animal owners with

written orders about how they must improve their

animal management.

 

Owners who ignored the orders would face fines up

to $7500 or one year's

prison and anyone obstructing the inspectors would

be liable for fines up to

$37,500.

 

Mr Palaszczcuk said the state's 120 Department of

Primary Industries stock

inspectors would also become animal welfare

inspectors.

 

RSPCA chief executive Mark Townend last night

welcomed the proposals and

called for bi-partisan support from the State

Opposition.

 

"Everyone has been waiting so long for this we

don't want to see it held up in

Parliament," Mr Townend said.<<<<

 

 

ONS....Tony.