Animal Protection Act and Regulations now in force
Amendments to Northern Territory Animal Protection laws officially commenced on 3 November 2025.
These amendments, alongside changes to the Criminal Code 1983, strengthen penalties, expand enforcement powers and ensure the laws reflect community expectations around animal welfare and offending.
The changes follow extensive consultation with Territorians, including animal welfare organisations, industry groups, local councils and community members.
Key changes include:
- Increased penalties for cruelty offences and minimum care breaches
- New minimum level of care offences
- Requirements for restraining dogs when travelling in vehicles and trailers
- New restrictions on the use of electrical devices on animals
- Prohibition on the use or possession of a dog prong collar
- Expanded powers for authorised officers to enter commercial premises where animals are used for business activities, including training and racing facilities
- Power to use reasonable force to enter a locked motor vehicle to retrieve an animal suspected of suffering
- Powers to collect samples connected to suspected offences and request proof of identity
- New Criminal Code offences targeting the production, possession and dissemination of animal crush and bestiality material, with maximum penalties for animal sex offences increasing from 7 to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The Animal Welfare Branch will continue to work with industry and the community to increase education and awareness of animal welfare obligations, ensuring the new laws are understood and followed.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Animal Welfare Branch works to prevent cruelty, investigate reports of suspected offences, conduct onsite inspections and issue infringement notices where animals are not treated humanely.
If you suspect an animal is being mistreated, contact Animal Welfare Hotline on 1300 720 386, email animalwelfare@nt.gov.au, or submit an Online Report.
