The RSPCA has welcomed plans by NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall to increase maximum financial penalties and prison time under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The changes will also include new powers to ban an individual from ever being allowed to own, care for or breed an animal in NSW, a measure which RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said would help address repeat offenders.
“We hear from our members and supporters far too often that they consider sentences for cruelty offenders to be inadequate, and this is a big step towards addressing those concerns,” he said.
Mr Marshall said it was the next step on his crusade against those who neglect, harm or interfere with animals, especially illegal puppy factory operators who he described as “grubs”.
“Cruelty towards animals is one of the lowest acts and for too long our penalties here in NSW have lagged behind where they need to be,” he said.
Under the proposed changes, the existing penalty of $5,500 fine and/or six months’ jail for each act of cruelty by individuals, will jump to $44,000 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment. Fines for failing to provide proper and sufficient food, drink or shelter will also rise from $5,500 to $16,500 and/or six months’ imprisonment for individuals.
