NSW has become the first state in Australia to introduce a lifetime ownership ban for anyone convicted of animal cruelty, a move Wagga rescue services sayscould be revolutionary for abused animals in the community.
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Sweeping changes to legislation enacted last week will mean harsher penalties and jail terms for several acts of animal abuse, with one fine increasing by eight times the original amount.
A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesperson confirmed the penalty for cruelty to animals has been increased from a $5500 fine and six months' imprisonment to a $44,000 fine and 12 months' imprisonment.
The penalty for aggravated cruelty has increased from $22,000 to $110,000 and two years' imprisonment, while the offence of failing to provide food, drink or shelter now carries a $16,500 fine and six months' jail.
Anyone convicted of aggravated cruelty will also be permanently banned from owning or working with any animal.
Riverina and District Animal Rescue's Jessica Weir said she was hopeful the huge changes could help save abused pets in the community from shocking fates.
"I think it's fantastic to have the ban," Ms Weir said. "It's just more incentive for people to do the right thing."
She said animals like beloved terminally ill dog Schnitzel Von Crumb would be the direct beneficiaries of the harsher penalties, pointing out the dachshund wouldn't be dying if he hadn't been abused.
"Schnitzel is dying but he could have been saved if he'd been looked after properly and had treatment earlier," Ms Weir said.
Investigations of animal cruelty are carried out by three bodies in NSW - the RSPCA, the Animal Welfare League, and NSW Police.
Animal Welfare League Squad inspector Jamie Wakefield works in the Riverina and across the state tracking down cases of cruelty.
He welcomed the changes, saying Wagga residents would be stunned at just how many animals are being mistreated in their area.
Animal Welfare League Squad Inspector Jamie Wakefield works in the Riverina and across the state tracking down cases of cruelty.
He welcomed the changes, saying Wagga residents would be stunned at just how many animals are being mistreated in their area.
"I think people would be very surprised how much neglect and cruelty goes on across the Riverina and the whole of NSW," he said.
"Unfortunately, repeat offenders are quite prevalent, so any legislation that's brought in that will deter that I welcome massively."
Ms Weir agreed that multiple cases of animal abuse are often carried out by the same people.
"I would say that people definitely repeat the abuse, because it works for some of them," she said.
"Hopefully with these new laws they'll be able to stop the cycle."
"It breaks my heart every single time I see it but [animal abuse] is not uncommon, and its been really hard to have anything done about it until now."
