Laws dealing with pets and livestock make sure that there is a high priority on avoiding pain and distress to animals while bearing in mind the economic interests of their owners and the public good . National quarantine and export laws address the current increase in the import and export of goods, an increase leading to a rise in the threat of introduced diseases. There is considerable self-regulation by industry bodies, especially in areas such as animal husbandry and the control of breeding standards.
Although there has been a decrease in government support and intervention in some industries, laws regulating food quality, pet and livestock ownership and the prevention of pets and livestock from harming humans and other animals have been strengthened. Some newer industries, such as aquaculture, have also become more rule-bound.
Lawmakers are also mindful of community sentiment on issues such as the impact of domesticated animals on both the natural and social environment and the ethical use of animals for production and recreation.
In addition to Acts and Regulations there is an increased reliance on Codes of Practice to provide the detail and uniformity needed
Acknowledgement
Some content for this chapter has been drawn from the Department of Primary Industry website é State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2009. The contribution of the Department is gratefully acknowledged.
All Acts and Regulations referred to are Victorian unless otherwise indicated.
Breaches of statute law are usually prescribed in terms of penalty units. A penalty unit is defined in the Sentencing Act 1991 and the Monetary Units Act 2004. It is reviewed every year by the Treasurer and is $116.82 as at the 1st July 2009.
If you want the most updated figure go to www.gazette.vic.gov.au and search for 'Penalty Rates' or Google “penalty units”.
Under Commonwealth law, , a penalty unit is defined in the Crimes Act 1914 (cth) as $110.
Prev
Next
Table of Contents
Index
Search Law Topics
