Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Regulation
This Regulation is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 1996.
2 Commencement
This Regulation commences on 1 September 1996.
3 Definition
In this Regulation:the Act means the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
4 Notes
The explanatory note and table of contents do not form part of this Regulation.
Part 2 Confinement, carriage and use of animals
5 Conveyance of stock animals
(1) A person must not:(a) carry or convey a large stock animal in a cage or vehicle, orunless the cage or vehicle is of a height that allows the animal to stand upright without any part of the animal coming into contact with the roof, ceiling or cover of the cage or vehicle.(b) being a person in charge of a large stock animal, authorise the carriage or conveyance of the animal in a cage or vehicle,Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.(2) In this clause, a reference to a large stock animal is a reference to an animal that belongs to the class of animals comprising cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs and deer.cl 5: Am 2005 (750), Sch 1 [1].
6 Minimum cage sizes for fowls used for egg production
(1) A person must not confine fowls in a cage for the purpose of their being used for egg production unless the floor area of the cage is not less than the minimum floor area applicable to the cage, as follows:(a) for a cage that contains one fowl, the minimum floor area is 1,000 square centimetres,(b) for a cage that contains 2 fowls, the minimum floor area is 1,350 square centimetres,(c) for a cage that contains 3 or more fowls, the minimum floor area is the area calculated by allowing:(i) 450 square centimetres for each fowl, if the average weight of the fowls in the cage is 2.4 kilograms or less, or(ii) 600 square centimetres for each fowl, if the average weight of the fowls in the cage is more than 2.4 kilograms.Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.(2) If fowls are kept in more than 30 cages at a place, compliance with subclause (1) (c) in relation to those cages is to be determined on the basis of average flock weight rather than on the basis of the average weight of the fowls in the individual cages. For that purpose, the reference in subclause (1) (c) to the average weight of the fowls in the cage is to be read as a reference to the average flock weight.(3) Average flock weight is the average weight of the fowls in all the cages concerned, determined in a manner that follows the procedures for counting and weighing set out in the National Guidelines for RSPCA Inspectors for the Inspection of Layer Hens in Cages, which is included in the Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals—Domestic Poultry, 3rd edition, issued by the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.(4) A contravention of this clause by a person who is a first offender does not constitute an offence unless:(a) an officer has given the person a direction in writing to remedy the contravention within a period (not longer than 3 months) specified in the direction, and(b) the person has failed to remedy the contravention within that period.(5) A person is a first offender if the person has not been convicted of an offence in respect of any previous contravention of this clause.(6) For the purposes of this clause, the floor area of a cage is taken to include the area under any egg baffle, manure deflector, drinking nipple or vee-trough for water.
7 Use of animals in films and theatrical performances
(1) A person must not use an animal in connection with the production of a film or theatrical performance, or cause or permit an animal to be used in connection with the production of a film or theatrical performance, otherwise than in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice.Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.(2) A person does not commit an offence in respect of any failure to comply with the relevant Code of Practice if the failure occurs despite the person’s having done all that he or she could reasonably be expected to have done to comply with that Code.(3) In this clause:relevant Code of Practice means the document entitled Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Films and Theatrical Performances, as approved on 3 February 1997 by the Animal Welfare Advisory Council, copies of which are available from the Department of Primary Industries.cl 7: Am 26.9.1997; 2005 (750), Sch 1 [2].
7A Steeplechasing and hurdle racing: section 21C
(1) A person who organises or participates in a steeplechase or hurdle race to which this clause applies is exempt from the operation of section 21C of the Act in relation to that race.(2) This clause applies to a steeplechase or hurdle race that is organised in such a way that no horse in the race can approach or attempt to jump a particular obstacle or hurdle at the same time as any other horse in the race.cl 7A: Ins 21.7.2000.
Part 3 Miscellaneous
8 (Repealed)
cl 8: Rep 2005 (750), Sch 1 [3].
8A Prescribed manner in which pinioning of bird is permitted: section 4
For the purposes of section 4 (2A) of the Act, the prescribed manner in which the carrying out of the pinioning of a bird is not an act of cruelty is a manner that complies with the provisions of the document entitledGuidelines for the Pinioning of Birds, as approved on 7 June 1995 by the Animal Welfare Advisory Council, copies of which are available free of charge from the Department of Primary Industries.cl 8A: Ins 21.7.2000. Am 2005 (750), Sch 1 [2].
8B Prescribed class of animal and prescribed period: sections 8 and 24I
For the purposes of sections 8 (3) and 24I (b) of the Act:(a) ruminant stock animals that, because of drought conditions, are at the relevant time being given, by necessity, supplementary feeding of stored or purchased stock feed are a prescribed class of animal, and(b) 72 hours is the period prescribed for that prescribed class of animal.cl 8B: Ins 21.7.2000. Am 2005 (750), Sch 1 [4].
9 Prescribed circumstances in which tail docking permitted: section 12
(1) For the purposes of section 12 (2) of the Act, the prescribed circumstances in which the docking of the tail of a cow, heifer or female calf may be performed are:(a) that it is or will be a dairy cow and that the pastoral and environmental conditions in the place where it is or will be kept are such that there is a likelihood of disease to its udder, and(b) if it is 6 months old or older, that the veterinary surgeon who docks its tail is, before doing so, provided with a statutory declaration stating reasons sufficient to establish the circumstances set out in paragraph (a).(2) For the purposes of section 12 (2) of the Act, the prescribed conditions in accordance with which the docking of the tail of a cow, heifer or female calf may be performed are that the tail is docked in such a manner that the tail is left long enough to cover the animal’s vulva.
10 Prescribed circumstances in which “debarking” permitted: section 12
For the purposes of section 12 (2) of the Act, the prescribed circumstances in which a dog may be operated on for the purpose of preventing the dog from being able to bark are that the veterinary surgeon who performs the operation is, before doing so, provided with a statutory declaration to the effect that the dog will be destroyed unless the operation is performed because the dog’s barking causes an unacceptable public nuisance.
11 Prescribed circumstances in which “declawing” permitted: section 12
For the purposes of section 12 (2) of the Act, the prescribed circumstances in which a cat’s claws may be removed are as follows:(a) in the case of a domestic cat, that the veterinary surgeon who removes the cat’s claws is, before doing so, provided with a statutory declaration to the effect that the cat will be destroyed unless its claws are removed:(i) because the cat is causing unacceptable damage to property with its claws and attempted retraining of the cat has been unsuccessful, or(ii) because the cat has repeatedly killed wildlife,(b) in any other case, that the veterinary surgeon who removes the cat’s claws is, before doing so, provided with a statutory declaration to the effect that the procedure is being requested because of potential damage by the cat to property, persons or animals.
12 Particulars of certain procedures to be recorded: section 12A
(1) For the purposes of section 12A (1) of the Act, the prescribed form for a register is that it is in writing.(2) The prescribed particulars to be recorded in the register are as follows:(a) the name and address of the owner of the animal on which the procedure was carried out,(b) the nature of the procedure,(c) the date on which the procedure was carried out,(d) a full description of the animal on which the procedure was carried out,(e) the name of the veterinary surgeon who carried out the procedure.
13 Prescribed types of electrical devices and prescribed species: section 16
For the purposes of the definition of electrical device in section 16 (1) of the Act, a type of device listed in Column 1 of Schedule 1 is a prescribed type of electrical device unless it is used for a purpose or in circumstances specified in Column 2 of that Schedule.cl 13: Subst 21.7.2000.
14 Exemptions: sections 18, 18A
(1) Any person who:(a) uses any premises, or manages or controls any premises that are used, for the purposes of a rodeo, or(b) receives money for the admission of another person to premises that are used for the purposes of a rodeo, oris exempt from the operation of section 18 of the Act in respect of the use of the premises for the purposes of a rodeo, subject to the condition that the rodeo is at all times conducted in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice.(c) being an owner of premises, authorises the premises to be used for the purposes of a rodeo,(2) Any person who advertises, promotes or takes part in a rodeo is exempt from the operation of section 18A of the Act in respect of the advertising, promoting or taking part in the rodeo, subject to the condition that the rodeo is at all times conducted in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice.(3) A person does not commit an offence in respect of any failure to comply with the relevant Code of Practice if the failure occurs despite the person having done all that he or she could reasonably be expected to have done to comply with that Code.(4) In this clause:relevant Code of Practice means the document entitled Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals Used in Rodeo Events, as approved on 30 April 1988 by the Animal Welfare Advisory Council, copies of which are available from the Department of Primary Industries.rodeo means any exhibition, spectacle or display (whether or not conducted for the purpose of gain) in which a person takes part in:(a) buck-jumping,(b) rough riding, or(c) the dogging, roping or tying of any animal.cl 14: Am 26.9.1997; 2005 (750), Sch 1 [2].
15 (Repealed)
cl 15: Rep 21.7.2000.
16 Coursing prohibited: section 21
(1) The object of this clause is to prescribe certain kinds of animal whose possession, at places where an activity prohibited by section 21 of the Act is being conducted, is taken to be evidence that the animal is kept for the purpose of being used in connection with that activity.(2) For the purposes of section 21 (2C) of the Act, all species of animals (other than coursing dogs) are prescribed species.cl 16: Am 21.7.2000.
17 Prescribed parts of NSW and prescribed traps: section 23
(1) The object of this clause is to prescribe the various parts of New South Wales in which the use of various kinds of traps is prohibited by section 23 of the Act.(2) For the purposes of section 23 of the Act, the prescribed parts of New South Wales are as follows:(a) the Eastern and Central Division within the meaning of the Crown Lands Act 1989,(b) the Western Division within the meaning of the Crown Lands Act 1989,(c) Lord Howe Island.(3) For the purposes of section 23 of the Act, the prescribed types of trap are those traps that are sold under any of the following trade or proprietary names or descriptions:(a) “Lane’s ‘Ace’ Rabbit Trap”,(b) “Lane’s Dog Trap”,(c) “Lane’s Round Jaw Wild Dog Trap”,(d) “Lane’s Dingo Trap”,and any other trap that is similar in design, construction or manner of operation to any of those traps (except for a soft-jawed trap, that is, a trap with steel jaws that are offset and padded).(e) “Oneida No 14 Steel Trap”,
18 Police officers exercising certain powers: section 24H
For the purposes of section 24H (4) of the Act:(a) a police officer is to give a direction to stop a vehicle or vessel by requesting or signalling the person operating the vehicle or vessel to stop the vehicle or vessel, and(b) a police officer is identified as a police officer if the officer wears his or her police uniform or otherwise displays evidence that he or she is a police officer.cl 18: Am 21.7.2000. Subst 2005 (750), Sch 1 [5].
18A Assistance to inspectors: section 24M
For the purposes of section 24M (b) of the Act, the following classes of persons are prescribed as persons who may accompany and aid an inspector exercising, in residential premises, a power conferred by Division 2 of Part 2A of the Act:(a) persons registered as veterinary surgeons under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1986 or as veterinary practitioners under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003,(b) persons who have special expertise in the handling of the animal concerned.cl 18A: Ins 21.7.2000. Subst 2005 (750), Sch 1 [5].
19 Penalty notice offences
(1) For the purposes of section 33E of the Act:(a) each offence created by a provision specified in Column 1 of Schedule 2 is prescribed as a penalty notice offence, and(b) the prescribed penalty payable in respect of a penalty notice offence that is dealt with under section 33E of the Act is:(i) in the case of an individual—the amount specified in Column 2 of Schedule 2 opposite the relevant provision, or(ii) in the case of a corporation—the amount specified in Column 3 of Schedule 2 opposite the relevant provision.(2) If the reference to a provision in Column 1 of Schedule 2 is qualified by words that restrict its operation to specified kinds of offences or to offences committed in specified circumstances, an offence created by the provision is a prescribed offence only if it is an offence of a kind so specified or is committed in the circumstances so specified.cl 19: Subst 2005 (750), Sch 1 [5].
19A Guidelines relating to the welfare of farm or companion animals: section 34A
(1) For the purposes of section 34A (1) of the Act, the following documents, published by CSIRO Publishing, are prescribed as guidelines:(a) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry (4th Edition, 2002),(b) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Farmed Buffalo (1995),(c) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Animals at Saleyards (1991),(d) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Goat (1991),(e) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Sheep (1991),(f) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Farming of Deer (1991),(g) Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Cattle (2nd Edition, 2004),(h) National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia (2nd Edition, 1997).(2) For the purposes of this clause, the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Farming of Deer (1991) is taken to have been amended by omitting clause 5.2 (ii) and by inserting instead:(ii) Removal of the “velvet antlers” should be the responsibility of:(A) a person registered as a veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1986 or a person acting in accordance with the approval in writing of the Board of Veterinary Surgeons of New South Wales, as referred to in section 44 (2) of that Act, or(B) a person registered as a veterinary practitioner under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 or a person referred to in section 9 (2) (e) of that Act.cl 19A: Ins 21.7.2000. Subst 2005 (750), Sch 1 [5].
19B Reports of approved charitable organisations
(1) A report of an approved charitable organisation under section 34B (3) of the Act must address the following matters in relation to the period covered by the report:(a) complaints and investigations concerning the treatment of animals,(b) counsel, advice or cautions given,(c) notices issued,(d) proceedings for offences instituted,(e) officers of the organisation and training provided for them,(f) complaints about the organisation or its officers.(2) Such a report must include the following:(a) a statement of the number of, and a summary of the substance of, complaints relating to animal cruelty or mistreatment received by the organisation,(b) a statement of the number of visits or investigations made by officers of the organisation as a result of those complaints,(c) a statement of the number of visits or investigations made by officers of the organisation that were unrelated to those complaints (such as routine inspections of abattoirs, veterinary practices, pet shops or saleyards),(d) a statement of the number of persons counselled or advised by officers of the organisation,(e) a statement of the number of persons cautioned by officers of the organisation,(f) a statement of the number of notices issued by officers of the organisation under section 24N of the Act,(g) a statement of the number of penalty notices issued by officers of the organisation,(h) a statement of the number of proceedings for offences under the Act or the regulations that were instituted by officers of the organisation, together with details of the defendants and the charges,(i) details of the outcome of such of those proceedings as had been finally determined as at the date of the report,(j) details of the outcome of such proceedings for offences as were referred to in the immediately previous report but not finally determined as at the date of that report,(k) a list, current as at the date of the report, of the officers of the organisation, together with any changes made to that list since the immediately previous report,(l) details of any complaints received by the organisation in relation to its activities (or those of its officers) under the Act, including details as to the resolution of those complaints and of the disciplinary action (if any) taken against any person as a result of those complaints,(m) details of the training provided by the organisation for its officers.(3) In this clause, officer has the same meaning as it has in paragraph (b) of the definition of that term in section 4 (1) of the Act.cl 19B: Ins 2005 (750), Sch 1 [5].
20 Repeal
(1) The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 1981 is repealed.(2) Any act, matter or thing that, immediately before the repeal of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 1981, had effect under that Regulation continues to have effect under this Regulation.
Schedule 1 Electrical devices
(Clause 13)
Column 1 Type of device | Column 2 Purpose or circumstance |
Electro-immobiliser | Restraining cattle, but only if used by a veterinary surgeon for purposes other than as an alternative to analgesia or anaesthesia |
Electric stock prod | Driving, herding, mustering or controlling weaned cattle or pigs |
Electric fence | Confining, controlling or protecting animals (except dogs and cats) |
Electro-ejaculator | Collecting semen from conscious cattle or sheep |
Collecting semen from animals that have been tranquillised and administered with an analgesic or animals that have been anaesthetised | |
The device sold under the name of a Kawe stock prod (including any similar device delivering an electric shock of no greater intensity or duration than a Kawe stock prod) | Controlling horses being used in a rodeo |
Electric stock grid | Confining stock animals (except poultry) |
Electric fightback lure | Training coursing dogs |
Electro-fishing device | Catching fish species under licence, permit or authority under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or in accordance with the Animal Research Act 1985 |
The device sold under the name Pingg String (including any similar device delivering an electric shock of no greater intensity or duration than a Pingg String) | Confining dogs or cats, but only if used inside a fence through which dogs or cats cannot pass and that is not less than 1.5 metres high |
Canine invisible boundary | Confining dogs, but only if used inside a fence through which dogs cannot pass and that is not less than 1.5 metres high |
Electronic bird deterrent device | Deterring birds from roosting on building ledges and other external building surfaces |
Any other device producing an electrical discharge that is used in such a way that the animal in relation to which it is being used cannot move away from the device |
sch 1: Subst 21.7.2000. Am 2005 (750), Sch 1 [6].
Schedule 2 Penalty notice offences
(Clause 19)
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Provision of the Act | Penalty (individuals) | Penalty (corporations) |
Section 5 | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 7 (1) | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 7 (2A) | $200 | — |
Section 8 | $200 | $1,000 |
Section 9 (1) | $200 | $1,000 |
Section 10 | $200 | $1,000 |
Section 12 | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 12A (1) | $200 | — |
Section 12A (2) | $200 | — |
Section 14 | $200 | — |
Section 16 | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 17 | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 18 (2) (a) | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 18 (2) (c) | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 19A (3) | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 20 | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 21A | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 21B | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 21C | $500 | $1,500 |
Section 23 | $500 | $1,500 |
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Provision of this Regulation | Penalty (individuals) | Penalty (corporations) |
Clause 5 | $200 | — |
Clause 6 | $200 | — |
Clause 7 | $200 | — |
sch 2: Ins 2005 (750), Sch 1 [7].