Facing An Animal offence charge in QLD?

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Get the right sort of help.

If you are charged with animal cruelty by the RSPCA or a regulatory offence under the Animal Management Act by your local council, seek expert legal advice promptly. Animal-related charges can result in significant consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and restrictions on owning animals.

Our experienced lawyers are well equipped to handle such cases, ensuring your rights are protected and providing the best possible defence. We understand the complexities involved and offer personalised legal support tailored to your situation. Contact us today for a free case assessment.

We are here to answer your questions.

We take a client-first approach that is focused on delivering solutions and results tailored to each individual’s case. This commitment is demonstrated through our customised four stage client process, which includes an initial consultation, case strategy development, court representation and outcome review. 

  • The Prosecution must prove that:

    1. The defendant was in charge of an animal; and

    The defendant is deemed to be in charge of an animal if the defendant:

    1 a) Owns or has a lease, license or other proprietary interest in the animal;

    2 or b) Has custody of the animal;

    or c) Is employing or has engaged someone else who has the custody of the animal and the custody is within the scope of the employment or engagement.


    ​The penalty for an individual convicted of a breach of duty of care is up to $43,125 or 1 year imprisonment. However, more serious breaches can attract penalties that align with those for animal cruelty (section 18), that is, up to $287,500 or 3 years imprisonment.

  • 1.      The Prosecution must prove that:

    (a)     the defendant killed or caused serious injury or prolonged suffering to an animal; and

    (b)     the defendant did so with the intention of inflicting severe pain or suffering; and

    (c)     that the act or omission by the defendant which caused the death of, or serious injury or prolonged suffering to, an animal was unlawful.

    ​In this section – “serious injury” means:

    1. the loss of a distinct part or an organ of the body; or

    2. a bodily injury of such a nature that, if left untreated would:

      1. endanger, or be likely to endanger life; or

      2. cause, or be likely to cause, permanent injury to health.
         

    An act or omission that causes the death or, or serious injury or prolonged suffering to, an animal is unlawful unless it is authorised, justified, or excused by –

    1. the Animal Care and Protection Act 2011 (Qld), or

    another law, other than s 458 of this Code.

    Serious animal cruelty has a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment.

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belinda@robinsonlaw.au
0416 126 532