Overhaul for animal care laws
PRONG collars and other inhumane practices would be banned as part of the biggest reforms of animal welfare laws in Queensland in more than 20 years.
Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister and Rural Communities Minister Mark Furner said the government was delivering on an election commitment to review the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
“Queensland already has some of the strongest animal welfare laws in the country, but we wanted to make sure the Act was current and reflected community expectations,” Mr Furner said.
“The community said to us overwhelmingly that inhumane practices like the use of pronged collars have to stop.
“These collars are designed to train or restrain animals by injuring them and the fact is there are better ways to train our family pets.”
Other amendments include prohibiting the use of yellow phosphorous pig poison, strengthening enforcement powers for inspectors, and delivering on an election commitment to allow pregnancy testing of cattle by accredited laypersons.
More amendments are expected to be announced.