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Animal Welfare Act 2002
Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare Act 2002
The Animal Welfare Act 2002 and it's accompanying regulations, govern the treatment and welfare of animals in Western Australia. It has the power to enforce some of Australia’s harshest penalties for animal cruelty offences, and that has been welcomed by all Western Australians.

There is also provision in the Act for courts to impose orders to protect animals either by seizing an animal or preventing a person from owning a particular animal in the future.

Why Is The Act Necessary?
Western Australians believe that all animals should be treated humanely and with respect, regardless of the type of animal or its use. To meet this community expectation, the Animal Welfare Act 2002 was passed by Parliament. It replaces the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1920 and also provides for more specific cruelty offences to be included in the Regulations.

What Is The Purpose Of The Act?
  • To promote responsible animal care and protection;
  • To provide standards for animal care and use;
  • To protect animals from cruelty;
  • To safeguard the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes.
Who Will Enforce The Act?
General inspectors have been appointed by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in partnership with the RSPCA, local governments, Department of Agriculture, CALM and Fisheries WA. These general inspectors will respond to complaints and concerns.

Offences and Prohibited Events
It is an offence to release captive animals for the sport of hunting, chasing or killing them. Also, allowing captive animals to fight with each other is included in the offence. Any person who takes part in, spectates at, organises, promotes or keeps animals for such purposes commits an offence.

Regulations have been made to provide for additional offences. These include using spurs that have been sharpened or that are reasonably capable of penetrating an animal's skin. There are restrictions on the use of electrical devices and jawed traps and the docking of dogs' tails for cosmetic purposes is now banned. The legislation only permits a registered veterinarian to dock a dog's tail and this procedure must be performed for either therapeutic or prophylactic reasons.

Penalties
The Act provides for substantial fines and/or imprisonment. An individual found guilty of a cruelty offence can face a maximum penalty of $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment.

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