Story perspectives

Victoria Shelves Animal Protection Bill Amid Ongoing Cruelty Concerns

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Victorian government has indefinitely shelved an animal care and protection bill intended to address severe animal cruelty cases.
This decision follows nearly a decade of reform efforts, including a 2017 commitment to modernize the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Advocates, such as the RSPCA and Animal Justice party MP Georgie Purcell, argue that current legislation does not meet community expectations and lacks adequate penalties.
The proposed bill aimed to introduce new offences for aggravated cruelty and recognize animals as sentient beings.
Critics attribute ongoing animal suffering to the government's inaction on these reforms.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Victorian government has indefinitely shelved an animal care and protection bill intended to address severe animal cruelty cases.
This decision follows nearly a decade of reform efforts, including a 2017 commitment to modernize the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Advocates, such as the RSPCA and Animal Justice party MP Georgie Purcell, argue that current legislation does not meet community expectations and lacks adequate penalties.
The proposed bill aimed to introduce new offences for aggravated cruelty and recognize animals as sentient beings.
Critics attribute ongoing animal suffering to the government's inaction on these reforms.