Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the rules following an extensive consultation receiving more than 2000 submissions to update the 2008 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations which are due to expire.
“Many Victorians had their say on the modernisation of the regulations; I want to thank everyone for their important and diverse feedback,” Ms Symes said.
“Whether they’re domestic or farmed, animals are important to so many Victorians — these updated regulations are a step forward in ensuring that our animals are being treated fairly and respectfully.”
She said the regulations were made to support Victoria’s primary animal welfare legislation and ensure the welfare of animals by making improvements to:
● Animal transportation and tethering requirements.● Confinement of animals in vehicles on hot days.● Use of pain relief for mulesing of sheep.● Sale and use of appropriate fruit tree netting to protect wildlife.● Operational and administrative processes for rodeos.● Scientific procedure record-keeping and the sourcing of animals.
“From banning dogs being left in cars when it’s over 28°C to pain relief when mulesing sheep, these regulations will make sure everyone living and working with animals knows how to keep them safe and free from pain,” Ms Symes said.
The government will review of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and modernise Victoria’s animal welfare laws.
The alterations aim to support harm prevention, improve education for those who live and work around animals and generate a more effective regulatory and penalty response.
For more information on POCTA Regulations 2019, visit: animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
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