10th May 2014
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie introduced a bill into Queensland Parliament this week
ANIMAL CRUELTY
A new offence for serious animal cruelty targets those who intentionally inflict severe pain and suffering on animals – torture – and will carry a maximum seven years’ jail.
“This type of offending is abhorrent and, to ensure offenders are appropriately punished, the new offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The government shares the community’s frustration when offenders who have done terrible things to animals walk free without any jail time.”
Queensland Law Society president Ian Brown said he was concerned only that the bill gave RSPCA animal welfare officers greater power to investigate the new offence.
“In the society’s view the Director of Public Prosecutions is best placed to undertake those kinds of prosecutions when the potential outcomes are so significant,” he said.
Source: http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news