Have you witnessed an incident of animal cruelty?  Do you believe you have knowledge of neglect or abandonment of an animal?  If so, we encourage you to be a voice for the voiceless by lodging a complaint with the authorities in your territory or state.

The definition of animal cruelty varies amongst Australia’s states and territories.  However, all jurisdictions seek to prohibit the infliction of unnecessary pain on an animal and the failure to take steps to alleviate 'unnecessary pain'. Other examples of acts which could form the basis of a complaint are:

• Exposing an animal to extreme heat or cold (e.g. leaving an animal in a hot car);
• Failing to provide appropriate shelter;
• Failing to provide sufficient food or water;
• Beating, torturing, mutilating or otherwise harming an animal;
• Failing to provide appropriate veterinary treatment for an animal suffering from an injury or illness;
• Abandoning an animal or failing to provide regular care; and
• Using an animal to perform an illegal activity such as dog-fighting or cock-fighting.

Sadly, the law differentiates between different species of animals, which means that many acts that cause pain and suffering to farm animals and wild (‘feral’ or ‘game’) animals are not against the law. If you are advised by an authority that the act you witnessed does not constitute cruelty on this basis, don’t be disheartened.

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