People who abuse animals in South Australia could soon face penalties of fines up to $250,000 or 10 years in prison under proposed amendments to the Animal Welfare Act.
The Bill, introduced into State Parliament last week, follows extensive community consultation which showed widespread support for the changes.
The new penalties will be a significant increase on the current maximum fine of $50,000 or four years in jail for the aggravated ill-treatment of an animal.
More than 1000 people provided feedback on the proposed changes to the Act during community consultation in May this year, with eight out of 10 respondents backing a new proactive “duty of care” provision that requires owners to provide animals with a minimum level of care, such as adequate food and water.
This provision allows authorities to address neglect before an animal is harmed. This means RSPCA SA can talk to owners about better looking after their animals without having to wait for the animal to be harmed and without having to lay cruelty charges.
The definition of an animal will also be updated to include fish, a change that brings South Australia into line with the rest of the nation. The inclusion of fish aims to address cruel practices such as harvesting shark fins and stingray tails.
Recreational and commercial fishing activities are not affected by the new laws and remain under the control of the Fisheries Management Act.
RSPCA Chief Executive Marcus Gehrig said the changes to the Act would make it easier for inspectors to prevent animal cruelty.
“RSPCA SA is the main organisation empowered to enforce this Act, and equipping our inspectorate with legislation that has no loopholes and gives inspectors greater powers to prevent animals suffering harm is positive not only for animals but for our whole community,” Mr Gehrig said.
RecFish SA Executive Officer Asher Dezsery said the Bill was a positive for the state’s more than 365,000 recreational fishers.
“Increased animal welfare outcomes within the bill enable unchanged recreational access to state fish resources while simultaneously decreasing poor or irresponsible practices not representative of the fishing community” Mr Dezsery said.
Fauna Rescue SA spokesperson Sue Barendregt also welcomed the changes, including better recognition of animal sentience.
“All animals can experience pleasure, pain and suffering and it is positive that this will be acknowledged,” Ms Barendregt said.
“Wildlife is sometimes overlooked, however the new legislation will ensure all animals are protected by laws governing their welfare.”
