It is an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 for people in charge of animals to abandon or release them, cause cruelty or breach their duty of care. And yet, at a conservative estimate, tens of thousands of animals are the victim of abuse or neglect in Australia each year. 

At present, the maximum penalty for an individual convicted of cruelty to animals is $266,900 or 3 years imprisonment. There are also offences for severe animal cruelty under the Criminal Code Act 1899 which have a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment. 

In Australia, approximately 55,000 to 60,000 reports of animal mistreatment are made each year to the RSPCA. This does not include reports made to other charitable bodies. 

Research suggests that the true prevalence of animal cruelty in Australia is hard to track, and data is reliant on people reporting what they see, and therefore, likely only represents a fraction of what is actually occurring. These results demonstrate that case data are not reliable indicators of the true prevalence of animal mistreatment, and that it is common and grossly underreported.

While sobering, these findings are the first step to developing and resourcing well-informed strategies to prevent the mistreatment of animals.

Sadly, animal cruelty laws are failing animals and abuse and neglect are still complex and prevalent issues in Australia.

Statistically, enforcement of penalties relating to animal cruelty is rare and individuals accused of cruelty to domestic animals (pets), wildlife, livestock and other animals often receive little to no jail time.

Signing this petition lends your voice to my community movement to ask the Australian Government to consider better legislation for pet ownership (BPOP - Basic Pet Ownership Permit) and enforce the appropriate sanctions under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

Thank you,

Ellie Sursara

* This is information is true as per Australian (and more specifically Queensland) Government standard as of July 13 2020