The Tasmanian Liberal Government takes animal welfare very seriously and that's why we are taking action to further strengthen Tasmania's Animal Welfare Act 1993.
Developed with the RSPCA and other key stakeholders, the Government's Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2022 was tabled in Parliament today.
The changes outlined in the Bill were recommended by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, a statutory body established under the Act, and will ensure improved welfare for all animals, including pets, livestock and wildlife.
The amendments include banning the use of pronged collars, expanding authorised officer powers of entry, further clarifying animal research arrangements, and providing additional sentencing options for animal cruelty and aggravated cruelty among other proposed changes.
Our Government is committed to continuing the review and improvement of Tasmania's animal welfare system and I would like to thank the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and all those who provided comment and feedback during the Bill's public consultation period.
Animal welfare is an important issue, and it was the Tasmanian Liberal Government who previously bolstered the Animal Welfare Act, including increasing the penalty for aggravated cruelty to up to $33,600 and/or a maximum custodial sentence of up to five years imprisonment.
The Animal Welfare Act was always intended to be improved and enhanced and this Bill takes important steps towards a stronger animal welfare framework for Tasmania.
