New
animal welfare regulations imposing on the spot fines for mulesing sheep
without pain relief and leaving dogs in extreme heat exposure have been
introduced in Victoria.
The
updated regulations come as a timely welcome as Australia prepares itself for
one of the hottest, and driest summers on record with much of the East Coast
expecting temperatures in the mid to high 40’s this week.
The
new rules were announced following an extensive consultation that attracted
more than 2,000 submissions and will better protect the welfare of Victorian
animals.
The
updated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Regulations are now in effect
with Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes, stressing the importance
of animal welfare.
“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,” said Minister Symes.
“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.”
The
new regulations will replace the existing 2008 POCTA Regulations and include
improvements on:
- 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 netting to protect wildlife - Operational and administrative processes for rodeos
- Scientific
procedure record-keeping, the sourcing of animals, and training of Animal
Ethics Committee members.
Specific
rules relating to farmers include on the spot fines of $413 to anyone who
leaves animals unattended inside a motor vehicle for more than 10 minutes on
days when the temperature is 28 degrees Celsius or above.
Other
regulations impose fines of:
- $661
for transporting animals without access to water for longer than the times
specified in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines, which vary
from 24 to 48 hours depending on the type of livestock; - $495
for transporting any farm animal unable to bear weight on all limbs, unless
accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states it is fit for transport;
and - $330
for transporting farm animals in passenger vehicles
Victorian
Farmers Federation’s Livestock Group president Leonard Vallance welcomed the
news, saying that concerns over the practicality of the regulations were
misplaced.
“I
don’t think it’d concern most farmers and a metal tray can get bloody hot,” said
Mr Vallance.
“I’ve
seen these poor dogs in utes parked out front of the roadhouse, while they’re
owners are inside. Perhaps we should get owners to drop their pants and sit
down on the tray to get the dog’s perspective on what it’s like.”
