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What are the penalties for animal cruelty offences?

Penalties for animal cruelty offences vary in each jurisdiction, but all have provisions for jail terms and fines.  The maximum penalties outlined in the table below can apply to both deliberate and negligent acts of animal cruelty (except for those prescribed under the NSW Crimes Act as specified below).  As penalties under legislation change regularly, it is recommended that you consult the relevant legislation in your jurisdiction to ensure currency.

State/TerritoryMaximum jail termMaximum fineLegislation
ACT2 years$22,000 for natural person

$110,000 for corporation
Animal Welfare Act 1992
NSW5 years*$22,000 for natural person

$110,000 for corporation
Crimes Act 1900, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
NT1 year$13,700 for natural personAnimal Welfare Act
QLD7 years**$235,600 for natural person

$1,178,000 for corporation
Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
SA4 years$50,000 for natural personAnimal Welfare Act 1985
TAS1.5 years$26,000 for natural person

$130,000 for corporation
Animal Welfare Act 1993
VIC2 years$74,620 for natural person

$182,000 for corporation
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
WA5 years$50,000 for natural person

$250,000 for corporation
Animal Welfare Act 2002

* Available under s.530 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) for serious animal cruelty committed with “intention of inflicting severe harm:”. 2 year maximum under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW).

** Available under s.242 of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld) for serious animal cruelty. 3 year maximum under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld).

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Updated on May 2, 2019
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https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-penalties-for-animal-cruelty-offences/

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