ANIMAL ACT CONCERNS

SOME members of the farming community, including the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) have expressed concern over proposed changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation (POCTA) Act 1986, stating that many details are yet to be made clear. Under the new laws, animals would be recognised as sentient and are capable of feelings. The proposed laws would institute a base offence of general cruelty, that would incur fines of up to $45,453 or imprisonment of up to one year for an individual. Photo: SPEC FILE.

By Lizzie Hallam

October 19, 2022 | 3:00 PM

PROPOSED changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) are causing concern amongst agricultural industry stakeholders as the detail within the new Plan for Victoria’s New Animal Care and Protection Laws, (the plan) remains ambiguous and unclear.

Agriculture minister, Gayle Tierney, is responsible for the proposed legislation and said while having served Victoria well for over 30 years, the POCTA Act is now outdated and no longer fit for purpose.