Changes to Queensland’s Animal Care and Protection Act 2001

Queensland CVO, Dr Allison Crook, has provided the following information to advise of recent changes to Queensland’s Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (the Act) which commenced on 12th December 2022.

The amendments reflect the Queensland Government’s commitment to ensure the state’s high standard of animal welfare is upheld in legislation whilst having regard for contemporary community expectations, scientific understanding and practices.

Key amendments include:

• A new offence for breach of the duty of care where the breach causes death, serious deformity, serious disability or prolonged suffering of an animal. A maximum penalty of up to $287,500 or 3 years imprisonment applies.
• Prohibition of the use and possession of pronged dog collars.
• A person who uses CSSP Pig Poison in Queensland may be prosecuted for animal cruelty under the Act.
• A requirement for dogs to be secured on a vehicle, with an exemption for working dogs.
• Strengthening of inspector powers in relation to entry and compliance with animal welfare directions.
• Clarification of the scientific use of animals, including alignment of the scientific use provisions to the Australian Scientific Use Code.
• A new framework for accrediting persons to undertake cattle spaying and pregnancy testing.

The changes follow a Queensland Government commitment to review the Act in 2020. Public consultation led by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in April-May 2021 generated significant feedback from stakeholders and the community, with over 2300 submissions received. Read more about the review of the Act.

The amendments also implement some recommendations of the Martin Inquiry and Queensland Audit Office. These changes represent major improvements to the accountability and public confidence in the delivery of animal welfare services in Queensland.

Read more about the changes to the Act here.