Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
This table of maximum penalties is populated using Lawcodes data. For more information, see Changes to Specific Penalties and Orders at the end of the introduction.
Jurisdiction
Section 34(1): Proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations may be dealt with:
- (a)
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summarily before the Local Court, or
- (b)
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before the Supreme Court in its summary jurisdiction.
Time for commencement
Section 34(4): Proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations may be commenced not later than 3 years after the date evidence of the alleged offence first came to the attention of an officer.
“Animal cruelty offence”
“Animal cruelty offence” is defined in s 4(1) as any offence under the Act in relation to an animal and any offence against ss 79, 80 (bestiality and attempt), s 530 (serious animal cruelty) or s 531 (killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement animal) of the Crimes Act 1900.
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Orders |
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|---|---|
| 26 | Definition of disqualification order |
| 29(1) | Magistrate may issue a summons to produce an animal upon a complaint made on oath by officer |
| 30(1)(c), (d) | Court may order animal to be destroyed and defendant to pay costs of destruction |
| 30A(1) | Court may order payment of certain other costs |
| 30B(1) | Court may make an interim disqualification order |
| 31 | Court may order disposal of animal or make disqualification order |
| 33 | Court may issue alternative summons where person charged acted at direction of another |
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Search warrants |
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| 24(F)(4) | Div Pt 5 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 applies to warrants issued under this section. |