For over 20 years, Queensland’s animal welfare laws have gone on without significant review, until now.
This week, Logan City residents have been invited to have their say as the Palaszczuk Government initiates a major review of animal welfare laws.
Michael Beatty from the RSPCA says RSPCA Queensland welcomes the chance to be part of the review of the animal care and protection act.
“It’s actually been 20 years since the act was introduced,” he said. “There’s no doubt there’s quite a few areas that certainly need some tweaking to help include animal welfare, but it’s definitely a good move to review it and we look forward to taking part.”
RSPCA Queensland reported it receives thousands of complaints from members of the public who believe that the current laws on animal cruelty are inconsistent, and that sentencing is too lenient, an example being the current maximum penalty for organised dog fighting offences is one year’s imprisonment.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the review will continue to ensure that our animal welfare laws remain current and protect the welfare of all animals in Queensland.
“RSPCA Queensland is an important animal welfare partner with the Queensland Government and we will be working closely with them on this review,” he said. “I encourage anyone who has an interest in the care of animals to have a say as part of the review – whether you have pets, produce livestock for a living, or work with animals.”
Feedback will be taken on issues including mandatory reporting by veterinary professionals of animal welfare concerns, the use of baits and traps, restraining dogs in open utility vehicles and trucks, the use of animals in science, and penalties for animal cruelty.
You can have your say before midnight, Friday May 21, 2021. Visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au and search for ‘ACPA review’ to complete the survey or submit a written response.
