Media Releases
Animal Welfare Bill Passed
1st July, 2020: Animal Welfare Bill passed! Piloting in the House of Representatives a short time ago the Animal (Diseases and Importation) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. This Bill also known as the Animal Welfare Bill amends 19 sections of the 65 year old Act and introduces 9 new sections including for the first time specific provisions dealing with Animal Welfare Standards.
The Bill also sets fines up to $200,000 for animal abuse and cruelty and a range of offences related to the proper care and treatment of domestic animals. On the commercial side the Bill introduces specific provisions dealing with meat and animal imports and exports; measures to respond to animal disease outbreaks and manage the business of livestock farming across the country.
Finally, the Bill created an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to advise the Minister responsible for animals on all aspects of Animal Welfare. This Bill was already passed unanimously in the Senate in May 2020.
