Queensland shows love to horses with new cruelty ban

Electric prodders can no longer be used on horses in Queensland under newly-introduced legislative changes.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said making the use of electric prodders an act of cruelty was one of the recommendations made by the ‘Inquiry into animal cruelty in the management of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Queensland‘.

“From 1 August, it will be a cruelty offence to use an electric prodder on a horse,” Mr Furner said.

“This will help to protect horses from unnecessary pain. Anyone who owns or works with horses – including horse owners, racing industry organisations, trainers, breeders and livestock transporters – will need to comply with this change.

“Farm equipment suppliers should also be aware of this new cruelty offence and inform any customers wanting to purchase electric prodders.

“Anyone working with horses must find alternate ways to safely move stock under their care.”

In addition to electric prodders, the following must not be used on horses:

  • any painful procedures such as punching, kicking, whipping, tail twisting etc
  • sticks, lengths of metal pipe, fencing wire or heavy leather belts
  • excessive shouting or making loud noises.

The maximum penalty for animal cruelty is 2000 penalty units ($266,900) or three years imprisonment.

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