OFFENDERS who abuse animals could be slapped with three-year prison terms or $220,000 fines under law changes passed by the Newman Government to stop animal cruelty.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
RSPCA Qld has welcomed the State Government’s decision to increase the maximum penalty for convicted animal cruelty offenders under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
Under a bill passed in state parliament the maximum financial penalty will double from $110,000 to $220,000 while the maximum prison term will increase from two years to three years.
RSPCA Qld CEO Mark Townend said the increase in penalties serve not only as a punishment but also as a deterrent that animal cruelty will not be tolerated, by the community or the courts.
“The only thing worse than hearing about senseless acts of cruelty inflicted on innocent and a defenceless animal is learning that offenders have got away with it,” Mr Townend said.
“While the bill is welcomed and is a step in the right direction, RSPCA remains hopeful the government will consider introducing an indictable penalty for serious animal cruelty into the Criminal Code.
Mount Isa animal rescue group manager Sue Carson said she was happy to see the State Government getting serious about punishment for animal abuse, and said the penalty for abusing animals “could never be too high”.
The latest figures for Queensland, for the year 2011/12 report 15,099 cruelty to animal complaints investigated, leading to 30 successful prosecutions.
