THE state's peak animal welfare body has welcomed a raft of amendments to legislation protecting Tasmanian animals, but warns the work is not done yet. The state government yesterday introduced legislation to State Parliament that increases the penalties for animal cruelty. Maximum jail time for aggravated cruelty will increase from 18 months to up to five years. RSPCA general manager Peter West said it would send a clear message to the community. "It certainly bodes well for the future direction of animal welfare in this state," Mr West said. "Our many supporters have been calling for more to be done with penalties," he said. Mr West said the RSPCA would continue to push regulatory bodies for tougher and more rigorous laws. Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said new standards and guidelines to address concerns regarding puppy farms would soon be enforceable through regulation. "Importantly, pet owners and farmers with working dogs who already look after their dogs will not be burdened with additional requirements," he said. "While legislation is important it is only part of the solution for delivering better outcomes for animals and pet owners, farmers and food producers," Mr Rockliff said. Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said the separation of companion animals and working dogs from puppy farms was entirely appropriate. Greens animal welfare spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said it was disappointing the full raft of recommendations from the 2013 Animal Welfare Review had not been adopted.
RSPCA Tasmania general manager Peter West said increased maximum jail terms for aggravated cruelty would send a clear message to the community.
THE state's peak animal welfare body has welcomed a raft of amendments to legislation protecting Tasmanian animals, but warns the work is not done yet.
The state government yesterday introduced legislation to State Parliament that increases the penalties for animal cruelty.
Maximum jail time for aggravated cruelty will increase from 18 months to up to five years.
RSPCA general manager Peter West said it would send a clear message to the community.
"It certainly bodes well for the future direction of animal welfare in this state," Mr West said.
"Our many supporters have been calling for more to be done with penalties," he said.
Mr West said the RSPCA would continue to push regulatory bodies for tougher and more rigorous laws.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said new standards and guidelines to address concerns regarding puppy farms would soon be enforceable through regulation.
"Importantly, pet owners and farmers with working dogs who already look after their dogs will not be burdened with additional requirements," he said.
"While legislation is important it is only part of the solution for delivering better outcomes for animals and pet owners, farmers and food producers," Mr Rockliff said.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said the separation of companion animals and working dogs from puppy farms was entirely appropriate.
Greens animal welfare spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said it was disappointing the full raft of recommendations from the 2013 Animal Welfare Review had not been adopted.
