The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering the strongest animal protection reforms in Territory history, introducing new laws in Parliament today to strengthen animal welfare and impose the toughest penalties yet for animal cruelty.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the amendments to the Animal Protection Act 2018 and Animal Protection Regulations 2022, alongside changes to the Criminal Code 1983, reflect the government's commitment to animal welfare and delivering on community expectations.
"Territorians care deeply about animals, whether they're family pets, livestock or wildlife, and the CLP Government is ensuring our laws reflect that," said Mr Maley.
"These reforms send a clear message: animal cruelty will not be tolerated. We are introducing stronger penalties, clearer powers for inspectors, and new protections against bestiality and abuse."
Mr Maley said the changes form part of the CLP Government's year of action, certainty and security, delivering real outcomes that protect animals and keep communities safe.
The Animal Protection Act 2018 and Animal Protection Regulations 2022 form the regulatory framework to ensure animals in the Northern Territory are treated humanely and to oversee the use of animals for scientific purposes.
To ensure the legislation continues to meet community expectations, public feedback was sought from May to September 2024, as part of a review of the framework. More than 220 submissions were received from stakeholders, including the RSPCA, animal welfare organisations, local councils, legal experts, universities, and community members.
This feedback directly informed the proposed amendments, which include:
Stronger penalties for animal cruelty and failure to provide minimum care.Clearer rules for restraining dogs when travelling in vehicles or trailers.New restrictions on the use and possession of dog prong collars and the use of electric devices on animals.Expanded powers for authorised officers to conduct inspections and respond to suspected cruelty.New Criminal Code offence targeting the production, possession, and dissemination of extreme animal abuse material, and an increase in the maximum penalty for bestiality from 7 to 10 years imprisonment.
"These are some of the strongest animal protection laws in the country, and they reflect our commitment to ensuring animals in the Territory are treated with care and respect," Mr Maley said.
"We'll continue working with industry, community groups and the broader public to boost awareness and education around animal welfare, and to support compliance with these strengthened laws."
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' Animal Welfare Branch conducts inspections, investigates reports of cruelty, and works with the community to uphold the Territory's animal protection laws.
