Laws dealing with pets and livestock make sure that the welfare of animals place a high priority on avoiding pain and distress to animals while bearing in mind the economic interests of their owners and the public good . There are national quarantine and export laws that attempt to 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.
All Acts and Regulations referred to are Victorian unless otherwise indicated.
Breaches of statute law are usually prescribed in terms of penalty unit. 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 113.42 as at the 14th March 2008.
If you want the most updated figure go to www.gazette.vic.gov.au and search for '[Penalty Rates'.
Under Commonwealth law, unless the contrary intention appears, a penalty unit is $110.
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