A man has been charged after he was allegedly found to be in possession of animal abuse material following the introduction of new legislation earlier this month.
Detectives from the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) executed a search warrant at a Melton West address on Wednesday (4 November) as part of an ongoing investigation into child abuse material.
Investigators seized several electronic devices from the property after finding child abuse and animal abuse material.
The 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
He was charged with transmit child abuse material, cause child abuse material to be transmitted to self, two counts of possess child abuse material and possess animal abuse material.
The Melton West man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (10 November).
The new legislation relating to animal abuse material, which is now published in the Crimes Act, became effective on 1 November 2026.
Four new indictable offences were introduced:
- Section 57 – produce animal abuse material (5 years maximum)
- Section 58 – distribute animal abuse material (5 year maximum)
- Section 59 – possess animal abuse material (3 year maximum)
- Section 60 – access animal abuse material (3 year maximum)
Amendments have also been made to other sex offences, including bestiality (Section 54A), which now also includes sexual touching of an animal, as well as penetration.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Mark Chapman, Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team:
“This is the first investigation where charges have been laid under Victoria’s new animal abuse material legislation. The alleged offending is deeply disturbing, and this legislation marks an important milestone in our ability to hold offenders accountable.
“These new offences give police stronger powers to target those who produce, share, possess or access animal abuse material. The legislation sends a clear message that cruelty towards animals will not be tolerated.”
