Livestock

Have your say on draft animal protection law

Feb 9, 2024

The draft bill for a new Animal Care and Protection Act has been released for public comment.

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This is the final opportunity for feedback before the bill for a new act is finalised. The new act would replace the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

Agriculture Victoria said a new act would explicitly recognise animal sentience and set minimum care requirements for animals in Victorian law for the first time.

The approach to cruelty offences would be strengthened, and the legislation would support co-regulation to reduce the regulatory burden on industries.

Activities like farming, pest control, hunting, fishing and racing would be able to continue under the new laws.

Reforming the laws will protect animals from cruelty while supporting Victorians to continue to interact responsibly with them and will help maintain trust in our animal-based activities and industries, AgVic said.

Regulations setting out requirements for specific species and activities involving animals would support the act. A new act would not come into force for at least two years to enable development of the new regulations.

The first consultation on the regulations has opened alongside the draft bill consultation.

The consultation is open until March 8.

Have your say at Engage Victoria: https://engage.vic.gov.au/new-animal-welfare-act-victoria