Tough new penalties for animal cruelty offences

Fines up to $250,000 or 10 years' jail are flagged as punishments as part of proposed changes to the state's Animal Welfare Act.

Present laws have a $50,000 maximum fine or four years' jail for the aggravated ill treatment of an animal.

Corporations found guilty of mistreating animals could be fined of up to $1 million as part of the proposed changes.

South Australia's Deputy Premier Susan Close said the reforms aimed to ensure the treatment of animals matched community expectations.

"Most people show great care towards animals but those who deliberately mistreat them deserve to face serious consequences," she said on Sunday.

"I encourage people to have their say on the final amendments so that we can work together to protect animals across South Australia."

The proposed changes, which will be released for community consultation on Monday, also include a new "duty of care" provision, requiring owners to provide animals with a minimum level of care such as adequate food and water.

The provision gives an opportunity for authorities to address neglect before an animal is harmed.

RSPCA South Australia chief executive Marcus Gehrig said the changes would make it easier for his staff to step in early to deal with potential abuse situations.

South Australia would recognise fish as animals under the act to stop deliberate cruelty such as cutting the fins off live sharks.

Another alteration would be to recognise interstate animal cruelty bans before potential animal abusers have the chance to act in the state.

More than 1000 people helped inform the proposed reforms via community consultation undertaken in 2023.

Submissions close on May 19 and the bill will be tabled in parliament later in 2024.

Australian Associated Press