24Cruelty to an animal

24 Cruelty to an animal (a) the person intentionally engages in conduct; and (b) the conduct results in the suffering of an animal, or additional suffering of an animal, and the person is reckless in relation to that result; and (c) the suffering is unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable and the person is reckless in relation to that circumstance. (a) the person intentionally beats an animal; and

Animal Protection Act 2018 16 (b) the beating causes the animal harm or suffering. (3) A person commits an offence if the person intentionally abuses or tortures an animal. (4) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person intentionally injures or wounds an animal; and (b) that conduct is unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable in the circumstances. (5) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person intentionally engages in conduct in relation to an animal; and (b) the conduct is prescribed by regulation to constitute cruelty. (6) A person commits an offence if: (b) the animal is suffering and the person knows that it is suffering; and (c) the person intentionally fails to take action that: (i) is reasonable in the circumstances; and (ii) the person knows would alleviate the animal's suffering. Examples for subsection (6)(c) 1 The person does not obtain necessary veterinary treatment for the animal. 2 The person does not destroy a suffering animal so it dies quickly without further suffering.

Animal Protection Act 2018 17 (7) A person commits an offence if the person intentionally: (a) docks the tail of an animal; or (b) crops the ears of an animal; or (c) removes the claws of an animal; or (d) removes the voice of an animal; or (e) engages in horse firing. (8) Subsection (7) does not apply if the person is a veterinarian who believes on reasonable grounds that the procedure is a reasonable and necessary therapeutic measure for the treatment or welfare of the animal. Note for subsection (8) (9) Absolute liability applies to subsection (5)(b). (10) Strict liability applies to subsections (2)(b), (4)(b) and (6)(a) and (c)(i).