Sustainability-related Regulations Database

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Animal Welfare Act 1985

Description: A short description of the legislation.

This Act governs the treatment of animals in South Australia

Application to Australian agriculture: Where the legislation is applicable.

(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1) or (2), a person ill treats an animal if the person— (a) intentionally, unreasonably or recklessly causes the animal unnecessary harm; or (b) being the owner of the animal— (i) fails to provide it with appropriate, and adequate, food, water, living conditions (whether temporary or permanent) or exercise; or (ii) fails to take reasonable steps to mitigate harm suffered by the animal; or (iii) abandons the animal; or (iv) neglects the animal so as to cause it harm; or (c) having caused the animal harm (not being an animal of which that person is the owner), fails to take reasonable steps to mitigate the harm; or (f) causes the animal to be killed or injured by another animal; or

Compliance information: Often the evidence of compliance against a piece of legislation is that there is not a breach of the Act. Where appropriate, the developers of this database have listed evidence which could be used to show compliance if a breach was to be found. Many Best Management Practice (BMP) schemes and other certifications in Australian agriculture include this evidence for accreditation.

The following documentation/information is required to provide evidence of compliance.

13—Ill treatment of animals (1) If— (a) a person ill treats an animal; and (b) the ill treatment causes the death of, or serious harm to, the animal; and (c) the person intends to cause, or is reckless about causing, the death of, or serious harm to, the animal, the person is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: $50 000 or imprisonment for 4 years. (2) A person who ill treats an animal is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: $20 000 or imprisonment for 2 years.

Additional information: The entity this legislation originates from.

South Australian Legislation →

Source documents: Links to the legislation documents.