Sexual abuse towards animals in Australia is a very common and disturbing reality.

There are currently little to no laws that prevent sexual abuse towards animals in Australia and the ones that do exist are extremely vague in nature. 

If these laws were better defined, detailed and actively put into place, it would expose sexual predators preying on those without a voice. Not only that, but these laws would also protect Australian communities, children and the vulnerable from these dangerous criminals.

The existing laws in Australia designed to prevent sexual abuse against animals are vague and lack detail on appropriate penalties. This lack of specificity creates significant loopholes that can be exploited, ultimately undermining the very purpose these laws are meant to serve. 

A more nuanced and detailed legal framework would allow for a more effective and thus, productive approach to protecting those who cannot advocate for themselves, including vulnerable animals and children. It is crucial that the law establishes clearer definitions and stricter regulations to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their despicable crimes. If the laws are reformed to include precise language and explicit guidelines (as the NSW AJP has pushed for and succeeded in the Crimes Amendment (Animal Sexual Abuse) Bill 2024), we could significantly enhance the ability to safeguard our communities from dangerous individuals who pose a threat to both animals and children alike.

As a 2-time sexual assault survivor and survivor of kidnapping, I can stand up and advocate that I do not feel protected living in a supposed ‘safe’ country without these proper laws in place. I do not feel that these laws are monitored appropriately and have witnessed these criminals getting away with not being convicted or if so, serving much less time than the lengthy sentence that reflects the severity of their crimes and abominable actions. 

This needs to change. I have firsthand experience of the profound insecurity that stems from a legal system that is inadequate in its protective measures, especially regarding sexual assault. Under the current framework, I feel that the legal protections intended to provide safety and justice for these crimes are highly insufficient. The enforcement of these laws appears to be inconsistent at best, and it is disheartening to witness that many perpetrators evade the justice they deserve. This is not merely a personal grievance; it is a systemic issue that affects countless individuals and communities, leaving many to live in fear and uncertainty.

Human beings who sexually abuse animals are a danger to all who are vulnerable- including both children and other adults. This has been well documented in studies that people who are able to commit crimes against animals are more likely to move on to or already partake in other forms of crime, especially sexual abuse. Thus, this is both a human and animal rights issue. We also know that some of the worst perpetrators of human-on-human crimes, including serial killers, have begun their patterns of behaviour with acts against animals. This should be an immense warning sign. 

This petition emphasises the critical and extremely urgent need to implement laws protecting animals from sexual abuse which will also protect our children and communities from these criminals.

We and AJP have highlighted that each state and territory needs:

-       The term 'bestiality' to be replaced with the term 'animal sexual abuse'.

-       Increased penalties and sentence time for the sexual abuse of animals.

-       Automatic lifetime animal bans for anyone convicted of animal sexual abuse.

-       Bans on the production, possession and distribution of animal sexual abuse material.

-       Whole of country (all states and territories) recognition of animal sexual abuse convictions so these abusers cannot move to another state to get access to animals.

-       Federal funding for investigation and crackdowns on underground animal sexual abuse rings.

This is a national petition. By signing the petition below, you will be urging every state and territory-based government and the Federal Government to take urgent action against the sexual abuse of animals.