The LNP has today announced tougher penalties for dog baiting following the cruel deaths and injuries to several dogs at local Brisbane parks in recent weeks.
Currently, penalties for baiting an animal has a maximum penalty of one year’s imprisonment or $40,035.
This does not align with the offence of animal cruelty which has a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment or $266,900.
If elected, the LNP will close this legal loophole and align the penalties with cruelty offences under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
This would be in-line the LNP’s previous new offences for animals trapped in hot cars.
“Like many Queenslanders I am horrified by the alleged dog baiting incidents around Brisbane,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The penalties for dog baiting should be the same as penalties for animal cruelty.
“It is beyond the pale that some lowlife thinks it is ok to do this to our pets.
“It is also deeply troubling that even if we catch the grubs poisoning our dogs that they may only get a slap on the wrist.
“I won’t allow that to happen on my watch and it is why if elected the LNP will triple the penalty for dog baiting.
“The LNP will send a clear message, you mess with man’s best friend then we will throw the book at you.”
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett says baiting our pets is a heartless act.
“This is about the treatment of animals that have been illegally killed, Mr Perrett said.
“No pet should have to endure a deliberate, long and painful death because of criminal activity.”
Present Law:
Section 36 of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 provides that a person must not, with the intention of injuring or killing any animal, lay a bait or substance that is harmful or poisonous to any animal. The same section also provides that a person must not with the intention of injuring or killing an animal, administer to, or feed the animal a substance the person knows is harmful or poisonous to the animal.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 300 penalty units ($40,035) or 1 year’s imprisonment.
This does not align with the offence of animal cruelty which has a maximum penalty of 2000 penalty units or 3 years imprisonment.
Elements of the existing cruelty offence (s.18) include –
• Causing pain in the circumstances that is unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable
• Beating it so as to cause pain
• Abusing, terrifying or tormenting
• Transporting it without appropriate food, rest, shelter or water
