{"id":"animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003","name":"Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003","slug":"animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"wa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":173594,"registerId":"wa-animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003","content":"![Crest]()Western Australia\n\nAnimal Welfare Act 2002\n\nAnimal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003\n\nWestern Australia\n\nAnimal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003\n\nContents\n\nPart 1 — Preliminary\n\n1. Citation 1\n\n2. Commencement 1\n\nPart 2 — Offences against animals\n\n3. Inhumane devices (s. 19(2)(b)) 2\n\n4. Prescribed acts (s. 19(2)(d) and (3)(b)(i)) 2\n\n5. Pests (s. 24(2)) 2\n\n6. Codes of practice adopted (s. 94(2)(d)) 3\n\n7. Use of devices: electric shock (s. 29) 10\n\n8. Use of devices — metal‑jawed traps (s. 29) 14\n\nPart 3 — Enforcement\n\n9. Warrant (s. 61) 16\n\n9A. Prescribed offences and modified penalties (s. 65(1) and 66(2)) 16\n\n9B. Prescribed forms (s. 66(1) and 68(1)) 16\n\n10. Objections (s. 72) 16\n\nPart 4 — Miscellaneous\n\n12. Disposal of forfeited property (s. 87) 17\n\n13. Claim for compensation (s. 93) 17\n\n14. Further offences (s. 94) — tail docking 17\n\nSchedule 1 — Prescribed offences and modified penalties\n\nSchedule 2 — Forms\n\nNotes\n\nCompilation table 33\n\nDefined terms\n\n  \n\nAnimal Welfare Act 2002\n\nAnimal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003\n\n## Part 1 — Preliminary\n\n##### 1. Citation\n\nThese regulations may be cited as the *Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003*.\n\n##### 2. Commencement\n\nThese regulations come into operation on the day of their publication in the *Gazette* or the day on which the *Animal Welfare Act 2002* comes into operation, whichever is the later.\n\n## Part 2 — Offences against animals\n\n##### 3. Inhumane devices (s. 19(2)(b))\n\nFor the purposes of section 19(2)(b) of the Act, the following devices are prescribed as inhumane —\n\n(a) a device, other than an electric fence, that is designed or modified to deliver an electric shock to an animal;\n\n(b) jawed traps;\n\n(c) spurs that have sharpened or fully‑fixed rowels;\n\n(d) spurs that are reasonably capable of penetrating the skin of the animal on which they are intended to be used.\n\n##### 4. Prescribed acts (s. 19(2)(d) and (3)(b)(i))\n\nThe administration of an electric shock to an animal in a manner that is not set out in regulation 7 is a prescribed act for the purposes of section 19(2)(d) and (3)(b)(i) of the Act.\n\n##### 5. Pests (s. 24(2))\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\nBAM Act means the *Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007*;\n\nBAM Act list means either of following lists established and maintained under the BAM Act section 158 —\n\n(a) the list of all organisms for which a declaration under the BAM Act section 12 (prohibited organisms) is in force;\n\n(b) the list of all organisms for which a declaration under the BAM Act section 22(2) (declared pests) is in force.\n\n(2) An animal set out in a BAM Act list is prescribed as a pest under section 24(2) of the Act, if —\n\n(a) the animal is not being kept as a domestic pet;\n\n(b) the animal is not being kept for the purposes of racing, riding or harnessing;\n\n(c) the animal is not being kept for the purpose of confined display or entertainment;\n\n(d) the animal is not being kept as a form of livestock; and\n\n(e) at the time a person attempts to kill the animal, it is not under effective control of an owner.\n\n[Regulation 5 amended: Gazette 5 Feb 2013 p. 826-7.]\n\n##### 6. Codes of practice adopted (s. 94(2)(d))\n\n(1) Under section 94(2)(d) of the Act, the following codes of practice relating to the use, care, welfare, safety or health of animals are adopted as they are amended from time to time —\n\n(a) *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle* (Edition 1, Version 1.0, January 2016), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra*;*\n\n(b) *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra;\n\n(c) *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Livestock at Saleyards and Depots* (Edition 1, Version 1.0, 23 February 2018), published by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, The Victorian Government;\n\n(d) *Australian Rules of Racing*, as at 1 April 2020, published by Racing Australia Limited;\n\n(e) *Code of practice for the conduct of circuses in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003;\n\n(f) *Code of practice for exhibited animals in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003;\n\n(g) *Code of practice for keeping rabbits in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003;\n\n(h) *Code of practice for the conduct of rodeos in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003;\n\n(i) *Rules of Harness Racing*, 1 August 2004, published by Racing and Wagering Western Australia.\n\n(2) Under section 94(2)(d) of the Act, the code of practice relating to the use, care, welfare, safety or health of animals specified in column 2 of each item in the Table is adopted as it exists on the day on which the *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2020* regulation 4 comes into operation, with the modification specified in column 3 of the item.\n\nTable\n\n| **Column 1** | **Column 2** | **Column 3** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| **Item** | **Code of practice** | **Modification** |\n| 1. | *Code of practice for goats in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Introduction after the 1st paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that this Code applies to the transport process for goats in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 2. | *Code of practice for farmed buffalo in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Introduction clause 1.1 after the 2nd paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that the Code applies to the transport process for buffalo in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 3. | *Code of practice for farming deer in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Introduction after the 2nd paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that the Code applies to the transport process for deer in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 4. | *Code of practice for pigeon keeping and racing in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Preface after the 2nd paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that this Code applies to the transport process for pigeons in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 5. | *Code of practice for poultry in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Introduction after the 3rd paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that this Code applies to the transport process for poultry in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time.<br>Delete Part 15 titled “Transport of Poultry”. |\n| 6. | *Code of practice for sheep in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Introduction after the 2nd paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that the Code applies to the transport process for sheep in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 7. | *Code of practice for the capture and marketing of feral animals in Western Australia*, first published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in March 2003 | In the Introduction after the 1st paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that this Code applies to the transport process for feral animals in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time.<br>In Part B under the heading “Transportation” delete “Operators should refer to other relevant State Codes of Practice for specific guidelines on transport.”. |\n| 8. | *Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Husbandry of Captive‑Bred Emus* (2nd edition), first published by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in 2006 | In the Introduction after clause 1.1 insert:<br>**1.1A** To the extent that the Code applies to the transport process for emus in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 9. | *Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Livestock at Slaughtering Establishments*, first published in 2001 (paperback) and 2002 (online) by CSIRO publishing, acting on behalf of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council | In the Introduction delete clause 1.3 and insert:<br>**1.3** To the extent that this Code applies to the transport process for livestock animals to slaughtering establishments in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 10. | *Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Pigs* (3rd edition), first published by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in 2008 | In the Introduction after clause 1.1 insert:<br>**1.1A** To the extent that the Code applies to the transport process for pigs in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n| 11. | *Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Camel* (2nd edition), first published by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in 2006 | In the Introduction after the 1st paragraph insert:<br>To the extent that the Code applies to the transport process for camels in Western Australia, the transport process is to be undertaken in accordance with the *Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock* (Edition 1, Version 1.1, 21 September 2012), published by Animal Health Australia (AHA), Canberra, as it is amended from time to time. |\n\n\n[Regulation 6 inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 4.]\n\n##### 7. Use of devices: electric shock (s. 29)\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\ndepot, saleyard and transport process have the meanings given in the *Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020* regulation 3.\n\n(2) For the purposes of section 29 of the Act, it is a defence to a charge under section 19(1) of the Act, committed in circumstances described in section 19(2)(b) of the Act, if a device specified in column 2 of an item in the Table is used —\n\n(a) by a person engaged in an activity specified in column 3 of the item; and\n\n(b) on an animal of a kind specified in column 4 of the item; and\n\n(c) in accordance with the manner of use specified in column 5 of the item.\n\nTable\n\n| **Column 1** | **Column 2** | **Column 3** | **Column 4** | **Column 5** |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| **Item** | **Device** | **Activity** | **Kind of animal** | **Manner of use** |\n| 1. | Electric stock prod | Driving, herding, mustering or controlling an animal | Sheep, pig, goat, buffalo or camel | Must not be applied to the face, udder or genital organs of an animal |\n| 2. | Electric stock prod | Driving, herding, mustering or controlling an animal | Cattle | Must be used in accordance with the *Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020* regulation 20 |\n| 3. | Electric stock prod | Handling an animal in a transport process or at a depot or saleyard | Cattle or sheep | Must be used in accordance with the *Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020* regulation 20 |\n| 4. | Electric stock prod | Controlling an animal at a rodeo | Horse or cattle | Must not be applied to the face, udder or genital organs of an animal |\n| 5. | Electric stunning device | Electrical stunning of an animal in an abattoir | Cattle, sheep, goat or pig | Must be used in accordance with the relevant code of practice for the particular animal |\n| 6. | Electro‑   ejaculator | Collecting semen from a conscious animal | Cattle or sheep | Must be used in accordance with any relevant code of practice for the particular animal |\n| 7. | Electro‑   ejaculator | Collecting semen from a tranquillised or anaesthetised animal | All species of animal, including cattle and sheep | Must be used in accordance with any relevant code of practice for the particular animal |\n| 8. | Electric training collar activated by the animal or a person in the course of training an animal | Training an animal | Dog | Must be used in accordance with the generally accepted method of usage for the type of collar |\n| 9. | Electrical device known as the “invisible fence” | Containment and training of an animal | Dog | Must be used in accordance with the generally accepted method of usage for the type of “invisible fence” |\n| 10. | The eShepherd virtual fencing system manufactured by Agersens Pty Ltd (ACN 169 900 887) | Containing an animal | Cattle | Must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the device |\n\n\n(3) For the purposes of section 29 of the Act, it is a defence to a charge under section 19(1) of the Act, committed in circumstances described in section 19(2)(b) of the Act, if an electro‑immobiliser is used on cattle in the following circumstances —\n\n(a) to restrain the animal in order to perform a procedure on the animal;\n\n(b) in the circumstances, an alternative restraining method would not sufficiently restrain the animal for the purposes of performing the procedure;\n\n(c) the electro‑immobiliser is not being used as an alternative to providing the animal with pain relief;\n\n(d) the animal has reached 6 months of age;\n\n(e) the person using the electro‑immobiliser is —\n\n(i) trained to use it on cattle; or\n\n(ii) using it under the direct supervision of a person who is a veterinarian or trained to use it on cattle.\n\n(4) For the purposes of subregulation (3)(e)(ii), a person (the supervised person) is using an electro‑immobiliser under the direct supervision of another person (the supervisor) if the supervisor —\n\n(a) provides instruction and guidance to the supervised person in relation to the use of the electro‑immobiliser; and\n\n(b) oversees and evaluates the use of the electro‑immobiliser; and\n\n(c) is on the same premises as the supervised person while the electro‑immobiliser is being used; and\n\n(d) is able to immediately render assistance to the supervised person, if required, at any time during the use of the electro‑immobiliser.\n\n[Regulation 7 inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 5; amended: SL 2021/146 r. 4; SL 2022/98 r. 4.]\n\n##### 8. Use of devices — metal‑jawed traps (s. 29)\n\n(1) For the purposes of section 29 of the Act, it is a defence to a charge under section 19(1) of the Act, committed in circumstances described in section 19(2)(b) of the Act, if a metal‑jawed leghold trap is used by —\n\n(a) the owner or leasee of an agricultural or pastoral property, or their authorised agent; or\n\n(b) an officer of a Commonwealth, State or local government agency, who is responsible for wild dog control,\n\nfor the purpose of wild dog control.\n\n(2) The person using a metal‑jawed leghold trap in circumstances described in subregulation (1) must ensure that the jaws of the trap are bound with cloth containing sufficient strychnine to ensure a rapid death for any animal likely to be caught in the trap.\n\n(3) For the purposes of section 29 of the Act, it is a defence to a charge under section 19(1) of the Act, committed in circumstances described in section 19(2)(b) of the Act, if a metal‑jawed leghold trap is used by a person participating in a research program, approved by an animal ethics committee, for the purpose of carrying out research under that program.\n\n(4) The person using a metal‑jawed leghold trap in circumstances described in subregulation (3) must ensure that the jaws of the trap are sufficiently padded, or the trap has otherwise been modified, so that any animal caught in the trap is unlikely to suffer significant injury.\n\n(5) For the purposes of section 29 of the Act, it is a defence to a charge under section 19(1) of the Act, committed in circumstances described in section 19(2)(b) of the Act, if a metal‑jawed leghold trap is used by —\n\n(a) the owner of land or the owner’s agent on the relevant land; or\n\n(b) a licensed pest control operator,\n\nfor the purpose of fox control.\n\n(6) The person using a metal‑jawed leghold trap in circumstances described in subregulation (5) must ensure that —\n\n(a) the jaws of the trap are sufficiently padded, or the trap has otherwise been modified, so that any animal caught in the trap is unlikely to suffer significant injury; and\n\n(b) any permit to set the trap required under the *Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Regulations 2013* has first been obtained.\n\n[Regulation 8 amended: Gazette 5 Feb 2013 p. 827.]\n\n## Part 3 — Enforcement\n\n##### 9. Warrant (s. 61)\n\nThe form of a warrant is Form 1 in Schedule 2.\n\n##### 9A. Prescribed offences and modified penalties (s. 65(1) and 66(2))\n\n(1) An offence described in Schedule 1 is a prescribed offence for the purposes of section 65(1) of the Act.\n\n(2) The modified penalty specified opposite an offence in Schedule 1 is the modified penalty for the offence for the purposes of section 66(2) of the Act.\n\n[Regulation 9A inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 6.]\n\n##### 9B. Prescribed forms (s. 66(1) and 68(1))\n\n(1) Schedule 2 Form 1A is the prescribed form of an infringement notice for the purposes of section 66(1) of the Act.\n\n(2) Schedule 2 Form 1B is the prescribed form of a notice to withdraw an infringement notice for the purposes of section 68(1) of the Act.\n\n[Regulation 9B inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 6.]\n\n##### 10. Objections (s. 72)\n\nAn objection under section 72 of the Act is to be made by completing Form 2 in Schedule 2 and lodging that completed form with the Minister within the time period set out in the Act.\n\n[**11.** Deleted: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 7010.]\n\n## Part 4 — Miscellaneous\n\n##### 12. Disposal of forfeited property (s. 87)\n\n(1) If property forfeited to the Crown under the Act is fauna, that fauna is to be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the Executive Director of CALM.\n\n(2) If property forfeited to the Crown under the Act is an animal that is not within the definition of “fauna”, that animal is to be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the prosecuting authority.\n\n(3) If property forfeited to the Crown under the Act is not an animal, that property is to be sold by auction or private treaty by the prosecuting authority.\n\n##### 13. Claim for compensation (s. 93)\n\nA claim for compensation under section 93 of the Act is to be made by completing Form 4 in Schedule 2 and lodging that completed form with the Minister within the time period set out in the Act.\n\n##### 14. Further offences (s. 94) — tail docking\n\n(1) In this regulation tail docking means the removal of one or more of the coccygeal vertebrae, whether by cutting, ablation, elastration or any other means.\n\n(2) A person who is not a veterinarian shall not carry out tail docking of a dog.\n\nPenalty: $2 000.\n\n(3) A veterinarian shall not carry out tail docking of a dog except where the tail docking is clinically indicated for the purpose of curing or alleviating a disease or injury from which the dog suffers.\n\nPenalty: $2 000.\n\n[Regulation 14 amended: Gazette 16 Mar 2010 p. 978; SL 2022/98 r. 5.]\n\nSchedule 1 — Prescribed offences and modified penalties\n\n[r. 9A]\n\nTable\n\n| **Item** | **Offence under the *Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020*** | **Modified penalty** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | r. 17(3) | $750 |\n| 2. | r. 18(1) | $750 |\n| 3. | r. 18(3) | $750 |\n| 4. | r. 19(1) | $750 |\n| 5. | r. 19(2) | $750 |\n| 6. | r. 19(3) | $750 |\n| 7. | r. 20, but only in relation to an offence committed in circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (e) | $750 |\n| 8. | r. 21(1) | $500 |\n| 9. | r. 22(3) | $750 |\n| 10. | r. 23(1) | $750 |\n| 11. | r. 23(3) | $750 |\n| 12. | r. 24(1) | $500 |\n| 13. | r. 24(3) | $500 |\n| 14. | r. 24(4) | $500 |\n| 15. | r. 25(1) | $500 |\n| 16. | r. 25(2) | $500 |\n| 17. | r. 26(2) | $500 |\n| 18. | r. 28 | $500 |\n| 19. | r. 29(1) | $500 |\n| 20. | r. 30(1) | $500 |\n| 21. | r. 30(2) | $500 |\n| 22. | r. 31(1) | $500 |\n| 23. | r. 32(1) | $750 |\n| 24. | r. 32(2) | $750 |\n| 25. | r. 33(1) | $750 |\n| 26. | r. 33(2) | $750 |\n| 27. | r. 35(1) | $750 |\n| 28. | r. 39 | $500 |\n| 29. | r. 40(2) | $750 |\n| 30. | r. 40(3) | $750 |\n| 31. | r. 43(2) | $750 |\n| 32. | r. 44 | $750 |\n| 33. | r. 45 | $750 |\n| 34. | r. 46(2) | $750 |\n| 35. | r. 47(2) | $750 |\n| 36. | r. 49 | $500 |\n| 37. | r. 50(1) | $500 |\n| 38. | r. 50(3) | $500 |\n| 39. | r. 50(4) | $500 |\n| 40. | r. 51(1) | $500 |\n| 41. | r. 51(2) | $500 |\n| 42. | r. 52(2) | $500 |\n| 43. | r. 54(2) | $500 |\n| 44. | r. 55(1) | $500 |\n| 45. | r. 56(4) | $750 |\n| 46. | r. 56(5) | $750 |\n| 47. | r. 58(2) | $750 |\n| 48. | r. 58(3) | $750 |\n| 49. | r. 63(1) | $750 |\n| 50. | r. 63(3) | $750 |\n| 51. | r. 64(1) | $500 |\n| 52. | r. 64(2) | $750 |\n| 53. | r. 65(1) | $500 |\n| 54. | r. 65(3) | $500 |\n| 55. | r. 67(2) | $500 |\n| 56. | r. 68(1) | $750 |\n\n\n[Schedule 1 inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 7.]\n\nSchedule 2 — Forms\n\n**Form 1**\n\n[r. 9]\n\n*Animal Welfare Act 2002*\n\nPart 5 Division 2\n\n**Warrant to Enter, Search and Seize**\n\nTHIS IS A WARRANT authorising an inspector under the *Animal Welfare Act 2002* to enter and search:\n\nPlace ...........................................................................................................  \n(*may be, or include, a vehicle*)\n\nDate ...........................................................................................................  \n(*this can include a period of time*)\n\nTime ...........................................................................................................  \n(*specific hours or at any time*)\n\nand to seize —\n\n- any animals;\n- any of the following types of animals —\n\n\n...........................................................................................................\n\n...........................................................................................................\n\n- any animals in the following circumstances —\n\n\n...........................................................................................................\n\n...........................................................................................................\n\nTHIS WARRANT CEASES to have effect:\n\nDate ...........................................................................................................\n\nTime ...........................................................................................................\n\nI, ............................................................... Justice of the Peace of ........................\n\n.......................................................................................................... am satisfied,\n\nby an application supported by evidence on oath, that —\n\n- there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, at the place, or in the vehicle —\n\n\n(a) an animal, the safety or welfare of which is under threat; or\n\n(b) something that may afford evidence of the commission of an offence\n\nunder the Act;\n\n- entry onto the place or into the vehicle is reasonably required to investigate a suspected offence against the Act;\n\n\nOR\n\n- there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under Part 3 of the Act is likely be committed in respect of the animal if it is not seized.\n\n\nI authorise ..................................................., an inspector, to exercise the entry, search, and seizure powers set out in the *Animal Welfare Act 2002* in relation to the premises set out in this warrant, with such assistance, and using such force, as is reasonably necessary during the time referred to in this warrant.\n\nSigned .....................................................  \n(*Justice of the Peace*)\n\nDated .....................................................\n\n[Form 1 amended: Gazette 20 Jun 2008 p. 2719; 18 Jul 2008 p. 3330.]\n\n**Form 1A — Infringement notice**\n\n[r. 9B(1)]\n\n- *Animal Welfare Act 2002***Infringement Notice** Infringement\nnotice no.\n- **Alleged offender** Name\n- Address\n- **Alleged offence** Date or period\n- Place\n- Written law contravened\n- Details of offence\n- **Date** Date of notice\n- **Inspector** Name\n- Office\n- Signature\n- **Modified penalty** $________\n- **TAKE NOTICE** It is alleged that you have committed the above offence.**If you do not want to be prosecuted in court for the offence**, pay the modified penalty to the Authorised Person within 28 days after the date of this notice.\n- **If you do not pay** the modified penalty within 28 days, you may be prosecuted or enforcement action may be taken under the *Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Act 1994*. Under that Act, some or all of the following action may be taken — your driver’s licence may be suspended, your vehicle licence may be suspended or cancelled, you may be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence or vehicle licence, your vehicle may be immobilised or have its number plates removed, your details may be published on a website, your earnings or bank accounts may be garnished, and your property may be seized and sold.**If you need more time** to pay the modified penalty, you can apply for an extension of time by writing to the Authorised Person at the address below.Paying the modified penalty is not regarded as an admission for the purposes of any civil or criminal proceedings.\n- **If you want this matter to be dealt with by prosecution in court**, sign and date here:\n\n__________________________________ / /20\nand post this notice to the Authorised Person at the address below within 28 days after the date of this notice.\n- **How to pay** In person *[Insert details for paying in person]*\n- By post *[Insert details for paying by post]*\n- Online *[Insert details for paying online]*\n- By telephone *[Insert details for paying by telephone]*\n\n\n[Form 1A inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 8; amended: SL 2020/161 r. 9.]\n\n**Form 1B — Withdrawal of infringement notice**\n\n[r. 9B(2)]\n\n- *Animal Welfare Act 2002***Withdrawal of infringement notice** Withdrawal no.\n- **Alleged offender** Name\n- Address\n- **Details of infringement notice** Infringement notice no.\n- Date of issue\n- Date or period\n- Place\n- Written law contravened\n- Details of offence\n- **Authorised person withdrawing notice** Name\n- Office\n- Signature\n- **Date** Date of withdrawal\n- **Withdrawal of infringement notice***[*Delete whichever is not applicable]* The above infringement notice issued against you for the above alleged offence has been withdrawn.If you have already paid the modified penalty for the alleged offence, you are entitled to a refund.1. Your refund is enclosed.*or*\n- 2. If you have paid the modified penalty but a refund is not enclosed, you may claim your refund by signing and dating this notice and posting it to: Authorised Person — *Animal Welfare Act 2002* *[Insert address]*\n- **Your signature** **Date**\n\n\n[Form 1B inserted: SL 2020/161 r. 8.]\n\nForm 2\n\n[r. 10]\n\n*Animal Welfare Act 2002*\n\nSection 72\n\n**Objection**\n\nTo the Minister:\n\nI, ................................................................................................................\n\nof ................................................................................................................\n\n................................................................................................................\n\nobject to the decision of ...............................................................................  \n(*date*)\n\nThe details of that decision are ...................................................................\n\n.....................................................................................................................\n\n.....................................................................................................................\n\nThe grounds of my objection are (*details of grounds*) ...................................\n\n.....................................................................................................................\n\n.....................................................................................................................\n\nIn support of my objection I attach the following information (*list attachments*):\n\n.....................................................................................................................\n\n.....................................................................................................................\n\nDated the ............ day of ....................................................... 20................\n\n................................................  \n(*signature of person objecting*)\n\nContact Phone No. ...................................\n\nNote: Section 72(2) of the Act requires an objection to be made within 28 days after the right to object arose, or such further time as the Minister may allow.\n\n[Form 3 deleted: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 7010.]\n\nForm 4\n\n[r. 13]\n\n*Animal Welfare Act 2002*\n\nSection 93\n\n**Claim for Compensation**\n\nTo the Minister:\n\nI, ...............................................................................................................\n\nof ...............................................................................................................\n\n...............................................................................................................\n\napply for payment of compensation for the injury to*/death of* my animal(s), caused by the negligent or malicious performance of a function, by a scientific officer, under the *Animal Welfare Act 2002*.\n\n(* *Delete as appropriate*)\n\nParticulars of the animal(s) subject to the claim are\n\n(*to be completed for each animal ‑ attach additional sheets if required*)\n\nBreed: .........................................................................................................\n\nAge (*years*): ...............................................................................................\n\nSex: ............................................................................................................\n\nValuation: ..................................................................................................\n\nI, the claimant, declare that I am the owner of the animal(s) described in this claim and that the information provided is, to the best of my knowledge, correct.\n\nSignature of owner: ....................................................................................\n\nDate: .........................................................................................................\n\nI certify that the statements made in this claim are, to the best of my knowledge, correct.\n\nSignature of inspector or\n\nother authorised person: ............................................................................\n\nDate: ..........................................................................................................\n\nNote: Section 93(2) of the Act requires claims to be made within one year of the injury or death.\n\n[Schedule 3 deleted: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 7010.]\n\n![dline]()\n\nNotes\n\nThis is a compilation of the *Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003* and includes amendments made by other written laws. For provisions that have come into operation, and for information about any reprints, see the compilation table.\n\nCompilation table\n\n| **Citation** | **Published** | **Commencement** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003* | 4 Apr 2003 p. 1077‑96 | 4 Apr 2003 (see r. 2 and *Gazette* 4 Apr 2003 p. 1023) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2004* | 30 Dec 2004 p. 7010 | 1 Jan 2005 (see r. 2 and *Gazette* 31 Dec 2004 p. 7130) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2006* | 23 Jun 2006 p. 2192‑3 | 23 Jun 2006 |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2007* | 12 Jun 2007 p. 2720‑1 | r. 1 and 2: 12 Jun 2007 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than 1 and 2: 13 Jun 2007 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2008* | 20 Jun 2008 p. 2719 | r. 1 and 2: 20 Jun 2008 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 21 Jun 2008 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2008* | 18 Jul 2008 p. 3330 | r. 1 and 2: 18 Jul 2008 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 19 Jul 2008 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| **Reprint 1: The *Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003* as at 21 Jul 2008** (includes amendments listed above) | | |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2010* | 16 Feb 2010 p. 644‑5 | r. 1 and 2: 16 Feb 2010 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 17 Feb 2010 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2010* | 16 Mar 2010 p. 977-8 | r. 1 and 2: 16 Mar 2010 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 17 Mar 2010 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2013* | 5 Feb 2013 p. 826‑7 | r. 1 and 2: 5 Feb 2013 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 1 May 2013 (see r. 2(b) and *Gazette* 5 Feb 2013 p. 823) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2020* | SL 2020/161 2 Oct 2020 | r. 1 and 2: 2 Oct 2020 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 3 Oct 2020 (see r. 2(b)(i) and (c) and SL 2020/159 cl. 2(a)) |\n| *Animal Welfare (General) Amendment Regulations 2021* | SL 2021/146 13 Aug 2021 | r. 1 and 2: 13 Aug 2021 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 14 Aug 2021 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Agriculture and Food Regulations Amendment (Veterinary Practice) Regulations 2022* Pt. 2 | SL 2022/98 17 Jun 2022 | 18 Jun 2022 (see r. 2(b) and SL 2022/81 cl. 2) |\n\n\nDefined terms\n\n*[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]*\n\n**Defined term Provision(s)**\n\nBAM Act 5(1)\n\nBAM Act list 5(1)\n\ndepot 7(1)\n\nsaleyard 7(1)\n\nsupervised person 7(4)\n\nsupervisor 7(4)\n\ntail docking 14(1)\n\ntransport process 7(1)\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"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":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as the actual legislative text was not provided. The source material is an error page from the Western Australian legislation website indicating the URL is no longer active."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative content was supplied — only an error/redirect page was provided","Cannot assess regulatory complexity without access to the actual text","Score of 1 reflects the simplicity of the error message itself, not the underlying legislation"],"plain_english_summary":"## ⚠️ Content Unavailable\n\nThe text provided does not contain the actual content of the **Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003** (Western Australia). Instead, it shows an error page indicating the legislation's web page is **no longer available** at its previous address due to system and security upgrades.\n\n**What this means for you:** No meaningful analysis of this legislation can be provided from the supplied text. To find the actual regulations, you would need to:\n- Visit the Western Australian legislation website and search using the menu\n- Contact the Parliamentary Counsel's Office Helpdesk directly\n- Search for the document on [legislation.wa.gov.au](https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au)\n\n**What we know in general:** These regulations sit under the *Animal Welfare Act 2002* (WA) and set out detailed rules about how animals must be treated in Western Australia — covering things like minimum standards of care, housing, transport, and handling of animals."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument's scope has broadened through amendments: it now adopts and updates national and state codes of practice (reg 6), adds detailed statutory defences and device‑specific rules including new technologies (eg. eShepherd at reg 7(2) item 10 and electro‑immobiliser rules at reg 7(3)‑(4)), formalises on‑the‑spot modified penalties and prescribed offences (reg 9A and Schedule 1), and tightens certain animal‑management prohibitions (tail docking at reg 14). It also ties pest status to BAM Act lists (reg 5) and conditions trap use on external permits (reg 8(6)(b)), expanding regulatory linkages and compliance obligations."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross‑references to the Animal Welfare Act and other regulations (eg. s.19, s.29; regs 7 and 8 reference the Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020).","Adoption of external and amendable codes of practice as legally binding references (reg 6) increases interpretive dependence on non‑statutory materials.","Numerous conditional statutory defences with detailed factual preconditions (eg. electric device table at reg 7(2); electro‑immobiliser conditions at reg 7(3)‑(4); metal‑jawed trap conditions at reg 8(1)‑(6)).","Integration with biosecurity lists and permit regimes (definition and use of BAM Act list in reg 5 and permit requirement under reg 8(6)(b)).","Prescribed offences mapped to modified penalties in Schedule 1 and prescribed enforcement forms in Schedule 2 (regs 9A, 9B) create administrative enforcement pathways and varied penalty levels.","Delegation of disposal, compensation and objection procedures to executive officers and the Minister (regs 10, 12, 13) creates administrative discretion and procedural burdens.","Technical definitions and terms (eg. depot, saleyard, transport process, tail docking) require cross‑checking within the instrument and related regulations.","Amendment history and staged insertions (compilation table) mean current scope depends on several later amendments, increasing tracking costs."],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set out specific animal‑welfare rules under the Animal Welfare Act: they list devices and acts treated as inhumane, specify narrow statutory defences for certain uses of electric devices and metal‑jawed traps, adopt external codes of practice as legal references, prescribe which animals are treated as pests, provide enforcement forms and on‑the‑spot penalties, and restrict tail docking of dogs. They affect animal owners, farmers, transporters, pest controllers, veterinarians and inspectors by shifting compliance duties, creating criminal defences and civil penalties, and linking biosecurity permits and codes to legal obligations."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2003 regulations were relatively modest, covering basic inhumane devices, tail docking, and procedural forms. However, the 2020 amendments significantly expanded the scope by: (1) adopting 11 national and state codes of practice covering cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, deer, buffalo, goats, camels, emus, transport, saleyards, and slaughtering; (2) creating detailed rules for electric devices and virtual fencing systems; (3) establishing a comprehensive infringement notice system with 56 prescribed offences; and (4) integrating with the separate Transport, Saleyards and Depots Regulations. The legislation has evolved from a simple procedural supplement to a complex operational framework governing most commercial animal use in WA."},"complexity_factors":["Heavy cross-referencing to the parent Animal Welfare Act 2002 (sections 19, 24, 29, 61, 65, 66, 68, 72, 87, 93, 94) and to the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007","Extensive adoption of external documents (11 codes of practice and national standards) which are incorporated 'as amended from time to time' or as at specific dates, creating moving targets for compliance","Nested conditional logic in Regulation 7 with a 10-row table specifying permitted devices, activities, animal species, and manner of use","Multiple overlapping defences for metal-jawed traps (Regulation 8) with different requirements for padding vs poisoning depending on purpose (wild dogs vs foxes vs research)","Five-part conjunctive test for 'pest' status in Regulation 5 (all conditions must be met: not pet, not racing, not display, not livestock, not under control)","Detailed supervision requirements in Regulation 7(4) with four specific conditions for 'direct supervision'","Schedule 1 references 56 specific offences from a separate regulation (Animal Welfare (Transport, Saleyards and Depots) (Cattle and Sheep) Regulations 2020) without reproducing their content","Modification tables in Regulation 6 requiring readers to mentally edit external codes by inserting specific transport compliance clauses","9 defined terms, but several rely on definitions in other regulations (e.g., 'depot', 'saleyard', 'transport process' defined in the Transport Regulations)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is Western Australian law that sets detailed rules for how people must treat animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. It covers:\n\n**What it bans:**\n- **Inhumane devices**: Electric shock devices (except electric fences), jawed traps, and spurs that can pierce skin\n- **Tail docking**: Only vets can dock dogs' tails, and only for medical reasons, not cosmetic ones\n\n**When you CAN use restricted devices (defences):**\nThe law creates specific exceptions where normally banned devices are allowed:\n- **Electric prods**: Can be used for herding sheep, pigs, goats, buffalo or camels (but never on face, udders or genitals); for cattle must follow separate transport regulations; at rodeos for horses/cattle; in abattoirs for stunning; or for collecting semen from cattle/sheep\n- **Electric collars**: Allowed for dog training and \"invisible fence\" containment systems\n- **Virtual fencing**: The eShepherd system is permitted for cattle\n- **Electro-immobilisers**: Can restrain cattle for procedures if the animal is over 6 months old, no other restraint works, and the user is trained or supervised by a vet\n- **Metal-jawed traps**: Allowed for wild dog control (if poisoned to kill quickly), fox control (if padded), or approved research programs (if padded)\n\n**What animals count as 'pests':**\nAnimals listed under biosecurity laws are pests ONLY if they're not pets, not used for racing/riding, not in zoos/circuses, not livestock, and not under an owner's control.\n\n**Adopted standards:**\nThe law automatically incorporates national animal welfare standards for cattle, livestock transport, saleyards, plus racing rules and specific WA codes for circuses, rodeos, rabbits, and various farm animals. Recent updates redirect transport rules to the 2012 national livestock transport standards.\n\n**Enforcement:**\n- Sets out warrant forms for inspectors to enter property and seize animals\n- Lists 56 specific offences with set fines ($500-$750) that can be handled via infringement notices (like speeding tickets) rather than court\n- Provides forms for objecting to decisions and claiming compensation if animals are injured by officials\n\n**Who it affects:**\nFarmers, livestock transporters, abattoir workers, vets, dog owners, pest controllers, rodeo operators, circus owners, rabbit keepers, racing industry participants, and anyone who owns or handles animals in WA."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003","history":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003/history","analysis":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/animal-welfare-general-regulations-2003/documents"}}