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ACT Party Criminalises Pet Coercion in Family Violence, 7-Year Penalties

7/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Act party will criminalise using pets to coerce family-violence victims, with penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment.
Minister Karen Chhour says the amendment will also strengthen protection orders for companion animals.
Pet Refuge reported a 19 percent rise in families assisted in 2025.
Police often leave a victim’s pet with the alleged abuser, a practice already prohibited in New South Wales and more than 40 U.S. states.

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Story summary

The Act party will criminalise using pets to coerce family-violence victims, with penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment.
Minister Karen Chhour says the amendment will also strengthen protection orders for companion animals.
Pet Refuge reported a 19 percent rise in families assisted in 2025.
Police often leave a victim’s pet with the alleged abuser, a practice already prohibited in New South Wales and more than 40 U.S. states.