The banning of ‘prong collars’ used to restrain dogs is one of suite of proposed changes in the Queensland Government’s first review of its animal welfare laws in more than 20 years.
Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said today that proposed changes to the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (the Act) would include the banning of the controversial collars and other inhumane practices used to inflict cruelty to animals.
“Queensland already has some of the strongest animal welfare laws in the country, but we wanted to make sure the Act was current and reflected community expectations,” Mr Furner said.
“The community (has) said to us overwhelmingly inhumane practices like the use of pronged collars have to stop.
“These collars are designed to train or restrain animals by injuring them and the fact is there are better ways to train our family pets.
“That’s why new amendments to the Act will ban these collars as well as other inhumane practices like the firing of a horse or dog’s legs as a means of treating injuries.”
The announcement comes more than a year after QLS Proctor reported the Government’s intention to review animal welfare laws for the first time in more than two decades.
In April 2021, Mr Furner said use of animals in scientific testing, restraining dogs in open ‘utes’ or other vehicles, and whether vets should be legally compelled to report suspected animal cruelty, would all be considered as part of the review.
Mr Furner said other proposed amendments to the laws would include the:
- prohibition on the use of yellow phosphorous pig poison
- strengthening of enforcement powers for animal welfare inspectors
- allowance of pregnancy testing of cattle by accredited laypeople.
More than 2300 Queenslanders and groups have so far made submissions into the review of the Act.
Mr Furner said further amendments would be announced soon.
“Stakeholders will be able to provide further feedback on the proposed amendments via the parliamentary committee process before any amendments to the Act are made,” he said.
Read the earlier QLS Proctor article.
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