{"id":"animal-protection-regulations-2022","name":"ANIMAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS 2022","slug":"animal-protection-regulations-2022","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174239,"registerId":"nt-animal-protection-regulations-2022-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"ANIMAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS 2022","content":"NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\nANIMAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS 2022\nAs in force at 3 November 2025\nTable of provisions\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\n1 Title .................................................................................................. 1\n2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1\n3 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1\nPart 2 Care and protection of animals\n4 Adoption of codes of practice .......................................................... 2\n5 Cruelty – electrical device ................................................................ 2\n6 Cruelty – other conduct ................................................................... 2\n7 Laying poison .................................................................................. 3\n8 Prohibited trap ................................................................................. 3\n9 Excluded electrical devices.............................................................. 3\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 1 Advisory Committee\n10 Membership ..................................................................................... 4\n11 Chairperson ..................................................................................... 5\n12 Term of office................................................................................... 5\n13 Termination of appointment ............................................................. 5\n14 Ministerial termination of appointment ............................................. 5\n15 Meetings .......................................................................................... 6\n16 Validity of actions............................................................................. 6\n17 Annual report ................................................................................... 7\nDivision 2 Scientific use of animals\n18 Registration fee ............................................................................... 7\n19 Annual report – registered person ................................................... 7\n20 Annual report – accredited animal ethics committee ....................... 8\nPart 4 Compliance and enforcement\nDivision 1 Infringement notice offences\n21 Infringement amounts ...................................................................... 9\n22 When infringement notice may be given .......................................... 9\n23 Contents of infringement notice ....................................................... 9\n\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 ii\n24 Effective date of payment methods ............................................... 10\n25 Expiation of offence ....................................................................... 10\n26 Withdrawal of infringement notice.................................................. 11\n27 Effect of Division ............................................................................ 11\nDivision 2 Other matters\n28 Contents of improvement notice .................................................... 11\nPart 5 Transitional matters\n29 Definition........................................................................................ 12\n30 Authority for Part............................................................................ 12\n31 Licence applications not determined before commencement ........ 12\n32 Permit applications not determined before commencement .......... 12\n33 Animal Welfare Advisory Committee ............................................. 13\n34 Codes of practice........................................................................... 13\nSchedule 1 Codes of practice\nSchedule 2 Excluded electrical devices\nSchedule 3 Infringement notice offences and\ninfringement amounts\nENDNOTES\n\nNORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\n____________________\nAs in force at 3 November 2025\n____________________\nANIMAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS 2022\nRegulations under the Animal Protection Act 2018\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\n1 Title\nThese Regulations may be cited as the Animal Protection\nRegulations 2022.\n2 Commencement\nThese Regulations commence on the commencement of\nsection 122 of the Animal Protection Act 2018.\n3 Definitions\nIn these Regulations:\nchairperson means the chairperson of the Advisory Committee\nelected under regulation 11.\nexcluded electrical device, see regulation 9.\ninfringement amount, for an infringement notice offence, see\nregulation 21(1).\ninfringement notice means an infringement notice given under\nregulation 22.\ninfringement notice offence, see regulation 21(2).\n\nPart 2 Care and protection of animals\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 2\nPart 2 Care and protection of animals\n4 Adoption of codes of practice\nFor section 20 of the Act, the following documents are adopted as\ncodes of practice relating to animal welfare:\n(a) the documents specified in Schedule 1, Part A, as in force on\n1 November 2022;\n(b) the documents specified in Schedule 1, Part B, as in force on\nthe day section 19 of the Animal Protection and Related\nLegislation Amendment Act 2025 commences.\n5 Cruelty – electrical device\nFor section 24(5)(b) of the Act, the following conduct is prescribed\nas constituting cruelty:\n(a) using an electrical device, other than an excluded electrical\ndevice, against the face, udders, anus or genitals of an\nanimal;\n(ab) using an electrical device, other than an excluded electrical\ndevice, on an animal that is less than 3 months of age;\n(b) using an excluded electrical device contrary to the restrictions\non the purposes, animals and conditions specified in\nSchedule 2.\n6 Cruelty – other conduct\n(1) For section 24(5)(b) of the Act, conduct involving feeding or\napplying a foul or noxious substance is prescribed as constituting\ncruelty.\n(2) Subregulation (1) does not include conduct in the normal course of\nveterinary or agricultural practice.\nExamples for subregulation (2)\nOral or topical treatment for worms or lice.\n\nPart 2 Care and protection of animals\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 3\n7 Laying poison\nFor section 28(7) of the Act, the following conduct and\ncircumstances are excluded from the offences against\nsection 28(1), (2), (3) and (4) of the Act:\n(a) the laying of poison by a person authorised to use the poison,\nby permit, employment or otherwise under:\n(i) the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of\nUse) Act 2004; or\n(ii) the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods\nAct 2012; or\n(iii) any other law of the Territory or the Commonwealth;\n(b) the laying of rat poison within residential premises by the\noccupier, if the premises:\n(i) are enclosed by walls, floors and ceilings; and\n(ii) are not accessible to the outside except by doors or\nwindows.\n8 Prohibited trap\nFor section 29(6) of the Act, definition prohibited trap,\nparagraph (b), a trap, whether or not commercially manufactured,\nconsisting of an adhesive glue layer on a base material and\nintended to capture and hold live rodents is prescribed to be a\nprohibited trap.\n9 Excluded electrical devices\nFor section 30(6) of the Act, definition electrical device,\nparagraph (b), an electrical device specified in Schedule 2 is an\nexcluded device if the device is:\n(a) made or adapted for and used for the purpose specified for\nthe device in Schedule 2; and\n(b) used on an animal specified for the device in Schedule 2; and\n(c) used in accordance with any conditions specified for the\ndevice in Schedule 2.\n\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 1 Advisory Committee\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 4\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 1 Advisory Committee\n10 Membership\n(1) For section 19(2) of the Act, the Advisory Committee consists of the\nfollowing members:\n(a) one person appointed by RSPCA Northern Territory\nIncorporated;\n(b) one person appointed by the Australian Veterinary\nAssociation;\n(c) one person appointed by the Local Government Association of\nthe Northern Territory;\n(d) one person appointed by the Agency responsible for\nadministering the Act;\n(e) if the Agency referred to in paragraph (d) is not the Agency\nprimarily responsible for primary industry – one person\nappointed by that Agency;\n(f) one person appointed by the Northern Territory Cattlemen's\nAssociation;\n(g) one person appointed by Charles Darwin University;\n(h) one person appointed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission\nof the Northern Territory;\n(ha) one person appointed by Animal Management in Rural and\nRemote Indigenous Communities Ltd ACN 152 429 279;\n(i) any other person appointed by the Minister.\n(2) The appointment must be made in writing.\n(3) A person or body, other than the Minister, appointing a member\nunder subregulation (1) must give a copy of the appointment to the\nMinister.\n(4) A member of the Advisory Committee is eligible for reappointment.\nNote for regulation 10\nThe terms and conditions of a member's appointment are determined by the\nMinister, see section 19(4) of the Act.\n\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 1 Advisory Committee\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 5\n11 Chairperson\nThe Advisory Committee must elect one of its members to be the\nchairperson of the Committee.\n12 Term of office\nA member of the Advisory Committee holds office for the period,\nnot exceeding 3 years, determined by the Minister.\n13 Termination of appointment\n(1) A person ceases to be a member of the Advisory Committee if:\n(a) the person resigns by giving notice to:\n(i) the Minister; and\n(ii) if the person was not appointed by the Minister – the\nperson or body that appointed the person; or\n(b) the person's appointment is terminated by the person or body\nthat appointed the person; or\n(c) the Minister terminates the person's appointment under\nregulation 14.\n(2) If there is a vacancy in the office of a member of the Advisory\nCommittee, the person or body that appoints the member must\nappoint a successor within a reasonable period of time.\n(3) A resignation or termination of appointment must be made in\nwriting.\n(4) A person or body, other than the Minister, terminating a member\nunder subregulation (1)(b) must give a copy of the termination to\nthe Minister.\n14 Ministerial termination of appointment\n(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of any member of the\nAdvisory Committee appointed under regulation 10(1)(a) to (ha) for\nany of the following reasons:\n(a) the member's inability or incapacity to perform the functions of\nmembership;\n(b) the member's ineffectiveness in performing the functions of\nmembership;\n\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 1 Advisory Committee\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 6\n(c) the member's misbehaviour in performing the functions of\nmembership.\n(2) The Minister must terminate the appointment of any member who:\n(a) is absent from 3 consecutive meetings of the Advisory\nCommittee without the leave of the Committee; or\n(b) applies to take the benefit of a law for the relief of bankrupt or\ninsolvent debtors.\n15 Meetings\n(1) The chairperson of the Advisory Committee must convene at least\n2 meetings of the Advisory Committee each financial year.\n(2) The chairperson must convene a meeting of the Advisory\nCommittee, as soon as practicable, if requested in writing to do so\nby:\n(a) 4 other members; or\n(b) the Minister.\n(3) The quorum at a meeting of the Advisory Committee is 4 members.\n(4) If a member is unable to attend a meeting of the Advisory\nCommittee, the member may, in writing, appoint a person to attend\nthe meeting as the member's proxy.\n(5) A meeting of the Advisory Committee is presided over by:\n(a) the chairperson; or\n(b) in the absence of the chairperson – another member elected\nby the members present.\n16 Validity of actions\nThe exercise of a power or performance of a function by the\nAdvisory Committee is not affected by reason only that:\n(a) there is a vacancy in the membership of the Committee; or\n(b) there is a defect in:\n(i) the appointment of a member; or\n(ii) the election of the chairperson; or\n(iii) the election of a member to preside over a meeting; or\n\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 2 Scientific use of animals\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 7\n(c) a person acted in office after the termination of the member's\nappointment.\n17 Annual report\nThe Advisory Committee must submit an annual report on the\nactivities of the Advisory Committee to the Minister on or before\n30 September each year in relation to the financial year ending on\nthe preceding 30 June.\nDivision 2 Scientific use of animals\n18 Registration fee\n(1) For section 41(2)(f) of the Act, the prescribed fee to apply for\nregistration is 83 revenue units.\n(2) For section 45(3)(c) of the Act, the prescribed fee to renew\nregistration is 83 revenue units.\n19 Annual report – registered person\n(1) For section 72(3)(b) of the Act, this regulation prescribes the\ninformation to be included in an annual report prepared by a\nregistered person.\n(2) The following information about the activities performed in\nconnection with the registration must be included in the report:\n(a) the name of the project;\n(b) the purpose of the project;\n(c) the duration of the project;\n(d) a brief description of the activities and research conducted\nduring the project;\n(e) each place at which an activity or research was conducted.\n(3) The following information about the animals used, or allowed to be\nused, for scientific purposes must be included in the report:\n(a) the number of animals used in the project;\n(b) a description of the animals, including the class and species of\nthe animals;\n(c) the source of the animals;\n\nPart 3 Administrative matters\nDivision 2 Scientific use of animals\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 8\n(d) each place at which an activity or research was conducted on\nthe animals;\n(e) each place at which the animals were housed.\n(4) The following information about complaints received by the\nregistered person must be included in the report:\n(a) the particulars of each complaint, if any, received by the\nregistered person during the reporting period;\n(b) the action taken in response to each complaint;\n(c) the outcome of the action taken.\n20 Annual report – accredited animal ethics committee\n(1) For section 73(2)(c) of the Act, this regulation prescribes the\ninformation to be included in an annual report prepared by an\naccredited animal ethics committee.\n(2) The following information about the animal ethics committee must\nbe included in the report:\n(a) the name and contact details of the animal ethics committee;\n(b) the name of each member of the animal ethics committee;\n(c) how each member of the animal ethics committee is qualified,\nunder the scientific use code, for membership.\n(3) The following information about project approvals granted by the\nanimal ethics committee during the reporting period must be\nincluded in the report:\n(a) the number of applications made to the animal ethics\ncommittee;\n(b) the number of applications approved or refused by the animal\nethics committee;\n(c) a brief description of the areas of activities and research in the\napplications approved or refused by the animal ethics\ncommittee.\n(4) The following information about complaints received by the animal\nethics committee must be included in the report:\n(a) the particulars of each complaint, if any, received by the\nanimal ethics committee during the reporting period;\n\nPart 4 Compliance and enforcement\nDivision 1 Infringement notice offences\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 9\n(b) the action taken in response to each complaint;\n(c) the outcome of the action taken.\n(5) The following information about other compliance activity conducted\nduring the reporting period by the animal ethics committee must be\nincluded in the report:\n(a) the number of inspections conducted;\n(b) each problem identified during an inspection;\n(c) the action taken to rectify each problem;\n(d) the outcome of the action taken;\n(e) the number of any breaches of a code of practice, adopted\nunder regulation 4, or the scientific use code of which the\nanimal ethics committee is aware.\nPart 4 Compliance and enforcement\nDivision 1 Infringement notice offences\n21 Infringement amounts\n(1) The infringement amount for an infringement notice offence is the\nmonetary value of the penalty units specified in Schedule 3 for the\noffence for which the notice is given.\n(2) An infringement notice offence is an offence against a provision\nof the Act specified in Schedule 3.\n22 When infringement notice may be given\nAn authorised officer may give an infringement notice to a person\nwhom the officer believes on reasonable grounds committed an\ninfringement offence.\n23 Contents of infringement notice\n(1) The infringement notice must specify the following:\n(a) the name and address of the person to whom it is issued, if\nknown;\n(b) the date the infringement notice is given to the person;\n\nPart 4 Compliance and enforcement\nDivision 1 Infringement notice offences\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 10\n(c) the date and time of the infringement notice offence and the\nplace at which the infringement notice offence occurred;\n(d) a description of the offence;\n(e) the infringement amount payable for the offence;\n(f) the enforcement agency to which the infringement amount is\npayable.\n(2) The infringement notice must include a statement to the effect of\nthe following:\n(a) the person may expiate the infringement notice offence and\navoid any further action in relation to the offence by paying the\ninfringement amount to the specified enforcement agency\nwithin 28 days after the notice is given;\n(b) the person may elect to have the matter dealt with by a court\nby:\n(i) completing a statement of election and giving it to the\nspecified enforcement agency; and\n(ii) not paying the infringement amount;\n(c) if the person does nothing in response to the notice,\nenforcement action may be taken under the Fines and\nPenalties (Recovery) Act 2001.\n(3) The infringement notice must include an appropriate form for\nmaking the statement of election referred to in subregulation (2)(b).\n24 Effective date of payment methods\n(1) Payment of the infringement amount by electronic means takes\neffect when the amount is credited to the payee's bank account.\n(2) Payment of the infringement amount by cheque takes effect when\nthe cheque is cleared on first presentation.\n25 Expiation of offence\nIf the infringement amount for the infringement notice offence is\npaid in accordance with the infringement notice, the alleged offence\nis expiated and no further proceedings can be taken in relation to\nthe offence.\n\nPart 4 Compliance and enforcement\nDivision 2 Other matters\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 11\n26 Withdrawal of infringement notice\n(1) An authorised officer may withdraw an infringement notice by\nwritten notice given to the person.\n(2) The notice must be given:\n(a) within 28 days after the infringement notice is given to the\nperson; and\n(b) before payment of the infringement amount.\n27 Effect of Division\n(1) This Division does not:\n(a) prejudice or affect the start or continuation of a proceeding for\nan infringement offence unless the offence is expiated; or\n(b) limit the penalty that may be imposed by a court for the\noffence; or\n(c) prevent more than one infringement notice for the same\ninfringement offence being given to a person; or\n(d) require an infringement notice to be given for an infringement\noffence; or\n(e) affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted in a court for an\ninfringement notice offence for which an infringement notice\nwas not given.\n(2) If more than one infringement notice for the same offence is given\nto a person, the person may expiate the offence by paying the\ninfringement amount in accordance with any of the notices.\nDivision 2 Other matters\n28 Contents of improvement notice\nFor section 75(4) of the Act, an improvement notice must contain\nthe following information:\n(a) the name of the person to whom it is issued;\n(b) the specific provision that the authorised officer believes was,\nis being or is likely to be contravened by the person and the\ngrounds for that belief;\n\nPart 5 Transitional matters\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 12\n(c) the action or activity that the person is required to take or\nrefrain from taking to remedy the contravention and to comply\nwith the provision;\n(d) the dates or times associated with any requirement in the\nnotice;\n(e) the person's right to apply to the NTCAT for review of the\nnotice.\nPart 5 Transitional matters\n29 Definition\nIn this Part:\ncommencement means the commencement of section 123 of the\nAct.\n30 Authority for Part\nThe regulations in this Part are made under section 129 of the Act.\nNote for regulation 30\nUnder section 129(5) of the Act, the regulations under this Part expire 1 year\nafter the commencement of the Act.\n31 Licence applications not determined before commencement\n(1) An application for a licence to use premises for teaching or\nresearch under section 30 of the repealed Act that is not\ndetermined before the commencement is taken to be an application\nfor registration and is to be determined in accordance with the\nconsiderations applicable under section 42 of the Act.\n(2) An application for variation of a licence to use premises for teaching\nor research under section 36 of the repealed Act that is not\ndetermined before the commencement is taken to be an application\nfor variation of a registration and is to be determined under\nsection 46 of the Act.\n32 Permit applications not determined before commencement\n(1) An application for a permit to conduct a teaching or research\nprogram under section 44 of the repealed Act that is not determined\nbefore the commencement is taken to be an application for project\napproval under section 59 of the Act and is to be determined under\nsection 61 of the Act.\n\nPart 5 Transitional matters\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 13\n(2) An application for variation of a permit to conduct a teaching or\nresearch program under section 50 of the repealed Act that is not\ndetermined before the commencement is taken to be an application\nfor variation of project approval and is to be determined under\nsection 64 of the Act.\n33 Animal Welfare Advisory Committee\n(1) The persons holding office immediately before the commencement\nas members of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee under the\nrepealed Act continue to:\n(a) hold office as members of the Advisory Committee\nimmediately after the commencement in accordance with the\nterms and conditions of their appointment; and\n(b) represent the interests of the bodies referred to in\nregulation 10 for which they were appointed.\n(2) The person holding office immediately before the commencement\nas chairperson of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee under\nthe repealed Act continues to hold office as chairperson of the\nAdvisory Committee immediately after the commencement in\naccordance with the terms and conditions of the person's\nappointment.\n34 Codes of practice\n(1) The adoption of any code of practice by the Minister under\nsection 24 of the repealed Act is revoked.\n(2) Despite subregulation (1), any licence issued under the repealed\nAct that is subject to a code of practice revoked under\nsubregulation (1) remains subject to that code until the earlier of the\nfollowing:\n(a) the day the licence is amended to remove the code as a\ncondition;\n(b) 1 year after the commencement.\n\nSchedule 1 Codes of practice\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 14\nSchedule 1 Codes of practice\nregulation 4\nPart A\nItem Code of Practice\n1 Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land\nTransport of Livestock (Edition 1, Version:1.1), Animal Health\nAustralia, 21 September 2012\n2 Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Livestock at\nSaleyards and Depots (Edition 1, Version: 1.0), Department of\nEconomic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, The\nVictorian Government, 23 February 2018\n3 Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle\n(Edition 1, Version 1.0), Animal Health Australia, January 2016\n4 Bowhunting Code of Ethics, Australian Bowhunters Association Inc.,\n12 July 2017\n5 Code of Conduct, Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association\nInc., April 2005\n6 Code of Practice for the Humane Hunting of Animals in the Northern\nTerritory when using Firearms, Northern Territory Firearms Council,\nApril 2020\n7 Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Wild and Farmed\nAustralian Crocodiles, Natural Resource Management Ministerial\nCouncil (NRMMC), 2009\n8 Guidelines for the Care and Welfare of Animals in Retail Pet Shops,\nNorthern Territory Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, 2008\n9 Guidelines for the Care and Welfare of Caged Birds, Northern\nTerritory Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, 2008\n10 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Land Transport\nof Poultry (2nd Edition), Primary Industries Standing Committee,\nPISC Report 91, CSIRO Publishing, 2006\n11 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Feral Livestock\nAnimals – Destruction or Capture, Handling and Marketing, SCARM\nReport 34, CSIRO Publishing, 2002\n\nSchedule 1 Codes of practice\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 15\n12 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs (3rd\nEdition), CSIRO Publishing, May 2008\n13 National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos\nand Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (2nd Edition), AgriFutures\nAustralia Publication No. 20-126, 18 November 2020\n14 National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos\nand Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes (1st Edition),\nendorsed by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council\n(NRMMC), 7 November 2008\n15 Standards for the Care and Treatment of Rodeo Livestock, National\nConsultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW), Position\nStatement, 10 June 2006\nPart B\nItem Code of Practice\n1 Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry,\nDepartment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Cth), 2022.\n2 Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. Exhibited\nAnimals – General (Edition 1), Department of Primary Industries\n(NSW), July 2019.\n3 Rules of Campdrafting, Code of Conduct for the Care and\nTreatment of Campdraft Livestock and Code of Practice for\nCommittees Operating a Campdraft, National Campdraft Council of\nAustralia Incorporated, 1 September 2022.\n4 Minimum Standards and Guidelines for Equine Welfare,\nThoroughbred Racing NT Incorporated, 28 February 2025.\n5 Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission: Policy for the\nWelfare of Racing Greyhounds, Northern Territory Government,\n1 July 2024.\n6 Standards and Guidelines for Best Practice Boarding\nFacilities/Establishment and Doggy Day Care Centres, Pet Industry\nAssociation, June 2016.\n\nSchedule 2 Excluded electrical devices\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 16\nSchedule 2 Excluded electrical devices\nregulation 9\nItem\n1 Electric stock prod\n(1) An electric stock prod may be used on cattle, crocodiles, buffalo,\ncamels, swine, goats or sheep for the purpose of driving,\nherding, mustering or controlling those animals.\n(2) An electric stock prod must not be used:\n(a) against the face, udders, anus or genitals of an animal; or\n(b) on an animal that is less than 3 months of age; or\n(c) on an animal that is diseased, injured or suffering.\n(3) Subject to the conditions mentioned in clause (2), an electric\nstock prod must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's\ninstructions.\n2 Electric stunning device\n(1) An electric stunning device may be used on cattle, buffalo,\nsheep, goats or swine for the purpose of stunning those animals\nin an abattoir.\n(2) An electric stunning device must not be used:\n(a) against the face, udders, anus or genitals of an animal; or\n(b) on an animal that is less than 3 months of age.\n(3) Subject to the conditions mentioned in clause (2), an electric\nstunning device must be used in accordance with the\nmanufacturer's instructions.\n\nSchedule 2 Excluded electrical devices\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 17\nItem\n3 Electric training collar (excluding collar operated by remote\ncontrol device)\n(1) An electric training collar (excluding a collar operated by a\nremote control device) may be used on dogs for the purpose of\ntraining dogs.\n(2) An electric training collar (excluding a collar operated by a\nremote control device) must not be used:\n(a) against the face, anus or genitals of a dog; or\n(b) on a dog that is less than 3 months of age.\n(3) Subject to the conditions mentioned in clause (2), an electric\ntraining collar (excluding a collar operated by a remote control\ndevice) must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's\ninstructions.\n4 Electro-ejaculator\n(1) An electro-ejaculator may be used on cattle, buffalo or sheep for\nthe purpose of collecting semen from conscious cattle, buffalo or\nsheep.\n(2) An electro-ejaculator may be used on any species of animal,\nincluding cattle, buffalo and sheep, for the purpose of collecting\nsemen from a tranquillised or anaesthetised animal.\n(3) An electro-ejaculator must not be used:\n(a) against the face, udders or anus of an animal; or\n(b) on an animal that is less than 3 months of age.\n(4) Subject to the conditions mentioned in clause (3), an\nelectro-ejaculator must be used in accordance with the\nmanufacturer's instructions.\n5 Electro-immobiliser\n(1) An electro-immobiliser may be used on cattle or buffalo for the\npurpose of restraining the cattle or buffalo.\n(2) An electro-immobiliser must not be used:\n(a) against the udders or genitals of cattle or buffalo; or\n\nSchedule 2 Excluded electrical devices\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 18\nItem\n(b) as an alternative to analgesia or anaesthesia if one of\nthose options is the preferred procedure under\nappropriate animal husbandry practices.\n6 Electro-stunner\n(1) An electro-stunner may be used on crocodiles for the purpose of\nrestraining crocodiles.\n(2) An electro-stunner must not be used:\n(a) against the face, anus or genitals of a crocodile; or\n(b) as an alternative to analgesia or anaesthesia if one of\nthose options is the preferred procedure under\nappropriate animal husbandry practices.\n7 Electronic fencing systems using collars and transmitters\n(1) An electronic fencing system using collars and transmitters may\nbe used on dogs or cats for the purpose of containing dogs or\ncats.\n(2) An electronic fencing system using collars and transmitters must\nnot be used:\n(a) against the face, anus or genitals of a dog or a cat; or\n(b) on a dog or a cat that is less than 3 months of age.\n(3) Subject to the conditions mentioned in clause (2), an electronic\nfencing system using collars and transmitter must be used in\naccordance with the manufacturer's instructions.\n8 Virtual fencing systems using collars and GPS systems\n(1) A virtual fencing system using collars and GPS systems may be\nused on livestock for the purpose of containing livestock.\n(2) A virtual fencing system using collars and GPS systems must\nnot be used against the face, udders, anus or genitals of\nlivestock.\n(3) Subject to the conditions mentioned in clause (2), a virtual\nfencing system using collars and GPS systems must be used in\naccordance with the manufacturer's instructions.\n\nSchedule 3 Infringement notice offences and infringement amounts\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 19\nSchedule 3 Infringement notice offences and infringement\namounts\nregulation 21\nProvision of the Act Infringement amount\nsection 12(3) 3 penalty units\nsection 17(1) 1 penalty unit\nsection 23A 3 penalty units\nsection 23B 3 penalty units\nsection 23C 3 penalty units\nsection 23D(1) 3 penalty units\nsection 23E(1) 3 penalty units\nsection 26(1) 2 penalty units\nsection 28(4) 2 penalty units\nsection 29(1) 4 penalty units\nsection 29(2) 3 penalty units\nsection 29(3) 1 penalty unit\nsection 30(1) 4 penalty units\nsection 30(2) 3 penalty units\nsection 30(4) 1 penalty unit\nsection 31(1) or (2) 4 penalty units\nsection 31(3) 3 penalty units\nsection 31(5) 1 penalty unit\nsection 31A(1) 2 penalty units\nsection 31A(2) 1 penalty units\nsection 32(5) 4 penalty units\n\nSchedule 3 Infringement notice offences and infringement amounts\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 20\nProvision of the Act Infringement amount\nsection 33(1) 4 penalty units\nsection 34(1) or (3) 3 penalty units\nsection 72(1) 4 penalty units\nsection 74(3) 5 penalty units\nsection 75(7) 5 penalty units\nsection 81(2) 1 penalty unit\nsection 88(3) 5 penalty units\nsection 90(7) 5 penalty units\nsection 92(7) 3 penalty units\n\nENDNOTES\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 21\nENDNOTES\n1 KEY Key to abbreviations\namd = amended od = order\napp = appendix om = omitted\nbl = by-law pt = Part\nch = Chapter r = regulation/rule\ncl = clause rem = remainder\ndiv = Division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired rep = repealed\nf = forms s = section\nGaz = Gazette sch = Schedule\nhdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision\nins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation\nlt = long title sub = substituted\nnc = not commenced\n2 LIST OF LEGISLATION\nAnimal Protection Regulations 2022 (SL No. 14, 2022)\nDate made 13 October 2022\nCommenced 1 November 2022 (r 2, s 2 Animal Protection Act 2018 (Act\nNo. 25, 2018) and Gaz S 55, 1 November 2022)\nAnimal Protection and Related Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (Act No. 22, 2025)\nAssent date 12 September 2025\nCommenced 3 November 2025 (Gaz G22, 30 October 2025, p 1)\n3 LIST OF AMENDMENTS\nr 4 sub Act No. 22, 2025, s 20\nr 5 amd Act No. 22, 2025, s 21\nr 6 amd Act No. 22, 2025, s 22\nr 9 sub Act No. 22, 2025, s 23\nr 10 amd Act No. 22, 2025, s 24\nr 14 amd Act No. 22, 2025, s 25\nsch 1 amd Act No. 22, 2025, s 26\nsch 2 sub Act No. 22, 2025, s 27\nsch 3 amd Act No. 22, 2025, s 28","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[{"type":"self_contradicting","section":"regulations 5(b) and 9","severity":"high","reasoning":"Regulation 9 makes Schedule 2 status conditional on the device being used for the specified purpose, on the specified animal and in accordance with the specified conditions. Regulation 5(b) applies only when an excluded electrical device is used contrary to those restrictions. A particular use cannot simultaneously satisfy and contravene the conditions determining excluded status.","confidence":0.99,"description":"Regulation 5(b) requires an electrical device simultaneously to be an “excluded electrical device” and to be used contrary to the restrictions that define it as excluded.","source_quotes":["using an excluded electrical device contrary to the restrictions on the purposes, animals and conditions specified in Schedule 2.","used on an animal specified for the device in Schedule 2; and","used in accordance with any conditions specified for the device in Schedule 2."]}],"contradictions":[]},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulations have expanded beyond their original 2022 scope through the 2025 amendments. Originally focused on basic welfare codes and enforcement, the amended version now incorporates additional industry codes (poultry standards, exhibited animals, campdrafting, greyhound racing, equine welfare, and pet boarding facilities) and significantly expanded electrical device regulations including new technologies like virtual fencing GPS systems. The Advisory Committee membership was also expanded to include Indigenous animal management representation."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate cross-referencing to the parent Act (Animal Protection Act 2018) with 40+ specific section references","Three detailed schedules containing adopted external documents (codes of practice) and technical specifications for electrical devices","Nested conditional logic in Schedule 2 (excluded electrical devices) with multiple 'must not use' exceptions for each device type","Transitional provisions handling the switchover from repealed legislation with specific time limits (1-year expiry)","Multiple defined terms (8 in regulation 3) plus implicit definitions through cross-references","Dual commencement dates reflected in the text (original 2022 and amended 2025 provisions)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set out the detailed rules for how the Northern Territory's *Animal Protection Act 2018* actually works in practice. Think of the Act as the backbone and these regulations as the operational manual.\n\n**Key areas covered:**\n\n*   **Animal welfare standards:** The regulations officially adopt national codes of practice for how animals must be treated across industries like farming, transport, rodeos, pet shops, and hunting. These aren't suggestions—they're legally binding rules.\n\n*   **Banned and restricted equipment:** They spell out exactly what counts as animal cruelty when using electric devices (like cattle prods or dog training collars). For example, you can't use electric devices on an animal's face or genitals, or on animals under 3 months old. Some devices are completely banned unless they meet strict conditions listed in Schedule 2.\n\n*   **Glue traps:** They ban adhesive glue traps designed to catch live rodents.\n\n*   **Scientific research:** They set fees for registering to use animals in research and require detailed annual reports from researchers and ethics committees about how animals are used and any complaints received.\n\n*   **Enforcement:** They create a system of on-the-spot fines (infringement notices) for minor offences, with specific dollar amounts attached to different violations. They also specify what must go into improvement notices when authorities order someone to fix animal welfare problems.\n\n*   **Advisory Committee:** They establish how the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is structured—who appoints members (RSPCA, vets, cattlemen, Indigenous animal management groups, etc.), how long they serve, when meetings must happen, and how they can be removed.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n*   Farmers, livestock transporters, and rodeo operators\n*   Pet shop owners and boarding kennel operators\n*   Scientific researchers using animals\n*   Hunters and dog trainers\n*   Anyone who uses electric devices on animals\n*   The general public (regarding glue traps and poisoning rules)\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese regulations turn broad animal welfare principles into specific, enforceable rules. They tell people exactly what they can and cannot do to animals, what paperwork they need to fill out, how much they'll be fined for breaking rules, and who oversees the system. Without these regulations, the Animal Protection Act would be largely unenforceable."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This version expands and concretises the regulatory detail compared with a bare framework law. Amendments and the Regulations (notably regs 4–6, 9, 10 and Schedules 1–3) do the following: (a) adopt an expanded and time‑staged list of external codes of practice (Schedule 1) so sector technical standards are formally binding; (b) add detailed, device‑by‑device rules and conditions for electrical devices (reg 9, Schedule 2) which both permit and tightly circumscribe uses; (c) specify infringement offences and list numerous Act provisions with fixed penalty‑unit amounts (Schedule 3), making the enforcement regime more granular; and (d) widen or clarify Advisory Committee membership to include a named body representing remote and indigenous animal management (reg 10). Those changes move the instrument from a high‑level framework toward a detailed regulatory regime with concrete operational, reporting and enforcement obligations."},"complexity_factors":["Three Schedules with substantive material: Schedule 1 (codes of practice: 15 items in Part A, 6 in Part B), Schedule 2 (8 types of excluded electrical devices with multi-part conditions), Schedule 3 (around 30 listed infringement provisions and amounts).","Multiple cross-references to the Animal Protection Act 2018 (e.g. sections 19, 20, 24, 28–31, 41, 45, 59–64, 72–75) which requires reading both instruments together.","Several defined terms in regulation 3 and concept definitions that depend on Act definitions (e.g. 'infringement notice offence', 'excluded electrical device'), increasing interpretive dependency on the parent Act.","Nested conditions and exceptions (e.g. permitted uses of electrical devices with age and body‑area restrictions in Schedule 2; poison exemptions in reg 7), producing conditional logic in day‑to‑day application.","Detailed administrative rules for the Advisory Committee: named appointing bodies, Ministerial termination powers, quorum/proxy rules and reporting timelines (regs 10–17).","Detailed reporting requirements for registered persons and accredited animal ethics committees (regs 19–20) specifying multiple data points (project names, animal counts, sources, places, complaints, inspections).","Infringement scheme with procedural detail (contents of notices, payment effect, withdrawal windows, cross‑reference to the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act) (regs 21–27).","Transitional arrangements that convert applications and preserve previous committee membership and codes (Part 5), which add temporary layering to the regime.","Use of penalty units and revenue units requires linkage to current penalty unit valuations to determine monetary amounts."],"plain_english_summary":"**What these Regulations do (mechanically)\n\n- Adopt a set of animal welfare \"codes of practice\" as the technical standards people must follow for many common activities involving animals (reg 4, Schedule 1).\n- Specify particular conduct that counts as cruelty under the Animal Protection Act: notably certain uses of electrical devices and the deliberate application of foul or noxious substances (regs 5–6, Schedule 2).\n- Define a small list of permitted (\"excluded\") electrical devices and set strict conditions for each device's use (reg 9, Schedule 2).\n- Exempt certain lawful poison use and set where household rat poison is permitted (reg 7).\n- Ban a particular kind of glue-based rodent trap (reg 8).\n- Create practical administrative rules: how the statutory Advisory Committee is composed, how it meets, term and removal rules for members, and reporting requirements (regs 10–17).\n- Prescribe fees and annual reporting requirements for people and committees that use animals for scientific purposes (regs 18–20).\n- Put in place an infringement (on‑the‑spot fine) scheme: who can issue notices, what must be in a notice, payment timing and effect, and a schedule of infringement amounts tied to penalty units (regs 21–27, Schedule 3).\n- Set minimum content for improvement notices (reg 28) and transitional arrangements for licences, permits and previously adopted codes (Part 5, regs 29–34).\n\nWho this affects\n\n- Animal handlers across sectors: livestock producers, abattoirs, hunters, pet industry operators, research and teaching institutions, and recreational animal users — because codes and device rules apply to transport, husbandry, handling and training (reg 4, Scheds 1–2).\n- Manufacturers and users of electrical devices (e.g. stock prods, training collars, stunning devices), because each device type is allowed only for specified animals, purposes and conditions (reg 9, Schedule 2).\n- Registered persons and accredited animal ethics committees involved in scientific use of animals: they must pay registration fees and provide detailed annual reports about projects, animals used and complaints (regs 18–20).\n- People who may receive enforcement action: authorised officers can issue infringement notices, improvement notices and withdraw them under set rules (regs 22–28).\n- Bodies with a direct advisory role: a range of industry, academic and community organisations are given appointment rights to the Advisory Committee (reg 10).\n\nWhy it matters (stated purpose and practical implications)\n\n- The Regulations translate the Act's broad animal‑welfare obligations into concrete, enforceable rules: they say which practices are explicitly cruel, which electrical devices may be used and under what conditions, and which technical standards (codes) apply (regs 4–6, 9; Scheds 1–2).\n- If read as intending to balance welfare and practical animal use (for transport, mustering, abattoir stunning, training and containment), the Regulations do so by: (a) listing permitted devices and tightly circumscribing permitted uses; and (b) adopting sector codes as the compliance standard (reg 9, Schedule 2; reg 4, Schedule 1).\n\nTesting that intent against costs, incentives and trade‑offs\n\n- Compliance burden: research and teaching bodies must prepare detailed annual reports (project names, purposes, durations, numbers and species of animals, sources and housing locations, complaints and inspections) — this is an administrative cost (reg 19). Accredited animal ethics committees also must report membership, approvals, inspections and breaches (reg 20).\n- Financial cost: a registration/renewal fee is prescribed at 83 revenue units (reg 18). Enforcement costs fall on persons who receive infringement notices and on the enforcement agency administering fines (regs 21–25, Sched 3).\n- Behavioural incentives: the Regulations create clear incentives to use only permitted devices and to follow manufacturers' instructions and adopted codes. They also create a substitution effect: where a disallowed device would have been used, actors will either switch to an excluded device that meets the Schedule 2 conditions or alter practices to avoid fines (reg 5; reg 9; Schedule 2).\n- Concentrated appointment rights: several named organisations (RSPCA NT, Australian Veterinary Association, NT Cattlemen’s Association, Charles Darwin University, Parks and Wildlife Commission, Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities Ltd, local government association and the administering Agency) each appoint a member to the Advisory Committee (reg 10). That gives those groups direct, concentrated input into advisory processes; the Minister also appoints any additional members (reg 10(1)(i)).\n- Enforcement discretion and practical risk: authorised officers decide when to issue infringement or improvement notices and may withdraw infringement notices within set windows — so the effectiveness of the regime depends on administrative resourcing and enforcement priorities (regs 22, 26). Multiple notices may be issued for the same offence and payment of an infringement amount expiates an offence (reg 27, reg 25), which creates procedural choices for enforcement and respondents.\n- Implementation and monitoring challenges: the Regulations require annual committee reports and periodic inspections (reg 17; reg 20(5)(a)). Ensuring consistent application of device‑use conditions (manufacturer instructions, age limits, body areas) across remote, agricultural and veterinary settings is an operational task for the administering Agency and authorised officers (Schedule 2).\n\nWho pays and who decides (short)\n\n- Who pays: persons who breach provisions may pay infringement amounts (Schedule 3); registered research/teaching entities pay a registration/renewal fee of 83 revenue units (reg 18); licence holders and operators may bear compliance costs to meet codes and reporting duties (reg 4; regs 19–20).\n- Who decides: the Minister sets member terms and can terminate certain appointments (regs 12–14); named external bodies appoint specific Advisory Committee members (reg 10); authorised officers determine reasonable grounds for issuing infringement or improvement notices and can withdraw notices under rules (regs 22, 26).\n\nQuick note on transitional effects\n\n- The Regulations convert certain outstanding licence and permit applications under the old law into registration/project‑approval applications under the new law and preserve the membership and chair of the previous advisory committee for continuity (Part 5, regs 31–33). Adopted codes under the repealed Act are revoked but licences subject to an old code remain subject to it for up to one year unless amended sooner (reg 34).\n\nKey sections to consult for detail: adoption of codes (reg 4 + Schedule 1); what is cruelty for electrical and other conduct (regs 5–6); excluded electrical devices and conditions (reg 9 + Schedule 2); Advisory Committee make‑up and powers (regs 10–17); scientific use fees/reports (regs 18–20); infringement scheme and amounts (regs 21–27 + Schedule 3)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Insufficient information to assess whether scope changed from original intent. No explanatory memorandum, amendments history, or substantive content was provided. The document contains only administrative metadata fields, many of which are blank (e.g., 'Made By', 'Gazette No', 'Regs No')."},"complexity_factors":["Only administrative metadata was provided — no substantive legislative content to analyse","Regulations (subordinate legislation) are inherently more technical than Acts as they contain detailed operational rules","The parent Act's complexity would significantly influence the overall complexity of these regulations, but that context is absent","Score reflects the metadata only — actual regulations could score considerably higher upon review of full text"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations, made by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Animal Protection Act, set the detailed, enforceable rules for animal welfare and come into force on 3 November 2025. They apply to animal owners, farmers, vets, animal care workers and anyone who keeps, trades or is responsible for animals. The substantive obligations, penalties and procedures are not included here — consult the full text on the official legislation register for specific duties."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/animal-protection-regulations-2022","history":"/api/acts/animal-protection-regulations-2022/history","analysis":"/api/acts/animal-protection-regulations-2022/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/animal-protection-regulations-2022/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/animal-protection-regulations-2022/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/animal-protection-regulations-2022/documents"}}