An e-petition signed by over 20,000 people opposing the rewriting the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to include more definitions of what harms animals has been acknowledged by Parliament. 

The draft of the law includes various proposed changes that have stirred controversy, such as the inclusion of psychological suffering of animals as a punishable form of cruelty.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said that while he is adamant there is no excuse for animal cruelty, the proposed changes are too drastic. 

“There are obvious problems with trying to include in legislation the concept of psychological harm to an animal…what would constitute psychological harm?” Mr Butler asked of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr Butler raised various scenarios where he believed farmers and other stakeholders would be punished unreasonably, such as for yelling at a sheep dog or conditioning a police horse to cope with crowds. 

According to the issues paper, the current definition is not clear as to whether psychological suffering can be considered cruelty, instead including the terms ‘tormenting’, ‘terrifying’ and ‘infuriating’.

The new law proposes a more specific definition. 

“For the sake of farmers, pet owners, horse riders and others who work and own animals, we hope that good sense will prevail and the Government will abandon its plans to go down this dangerous path,” Mr Butler said. 

Minister for Agriculture and for Western NSW Dugald Saunders said Mr Butler was using ‘scare tactics’, failing to acknowledge the list of procedures that are allowed (under restricted circumstances) for husbandry and prescribed purposes, and the automatic exemption made for hunting and fishing.

“I have already taken out one whole part of the bill because it was completely unnecessary. But a draft bill is drafted and then consulted on. There is a committee that will oversee that process. It is starting its public consultation now. Would members have that not happen?” Mr Saunders rebutted. 

“I understand people have genuine concerns about what this might mean specifically for them. But that is what consultation is about…Let us let the process do what it should do rather than try to create scare tactics that only alarm people.” Mr Saunders said. 

The Bill was introduced last year by former Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall last year, with intention to increase both penalties and gaol time, as well as introduce new offences to stop certain people ever being allowed to own, care or breed animals anywhere in NSW. 

“Everyone – from those neglecting their pet in the backyard to covert puppy factory grubs – should be on notice from today; do the right thing or face the consequences,” said Adam Marshall last year upon introducing the law.

The e-petition signed by 22,656 people in opposition of the proposed law has been noted by the Legislative Assembly.