Animal Welfare Act 2002

A person must not be cruel to an animal.

Without limiting subsection (1) a person, whether or not the person is a person in charge of the animal, is cruel to an animal if the person —

tortures, mutilates, maliciously beats or wounds, abuses, torments, or otherwise ill‑treats, the animal; or

uses a prescribed inhumane device on the animal; or

intentionally or recklessly poisons the animal; or

does any prescribed act to, or in relation to, the animal; or

in any other way causes the animal unnecessary harm.

Without limiting subsection (1) a person in charge of an animal is cruel to an animal if the animal —

is transported in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, it unnecessary harm; or

is confined, restrained or caught in a manner that —

is prescribed; or

causes, or is likely to cause, it unnecessary harm;

is worked, driven, ridden or otherwise used —

when it is not fit to be so used or has been over used; or

in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, it unnecessary harm;

is not provided with proper and sufficient food or water; or

is not provided with such shelter, shade or other protection from the elements as is reasonably necessary to ensure its welfare, safety and health; or

is abandoned, whether at the place where it is normally kept or elsewhere; or

is subjected to a prescribed surgical or similar operation, practice or activity; or

suffers harm which could be alleviated by the taking of reasonable steps; or

suffers harm as a result of a prescribed act being carried out on, or in relation to, it; or

is, in any other way, caused unnecessary harm.