Animal Welfare Act 2025

If an authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that the exercise of powers under this section is warranted because the welfare of an animal is being adversely affected, the authorised officer may, by written notice (an animal welfare notice) given to the owner of the animal, do 1 or more of the following:

direct the owner to provide the animal with such food, water, shelter, rest or treatment as the authorised officer thinks necessary;

require the owner to ensure the animal is not worked or used for any purpose specified in the notice for such period as is specified in the notice;

require the owner to ensure the animal is exercised in accordance with the stipulations of the notice;

direct or require the owner to take any other action specified in the notice, within the time specified in the notice, that the authorised officer considers necessary for the improvement of the animal's welfare.

A person to whom an animal welfare notice has been given must not refuse or fail to comply with the direction or requirement set out in the notice.

in the case of a body corporate—$250 000;

in the case of an individual—$50 000.

A notice under this section may specify that refusal or failure to comply may result in an animal or animals owned by the person being seized by an authorised officer and forfeited to the Minister in accordance with section 46.