New animal protection reforms
The NT Government has delivered the strongest animal protection reforms in Territory history, with new laws passing parliament on 2 September 2025.
The reforms amend the Animal Protection Act 2018 and Animal Protection Regulations 2022, alongside changes to the Criminal Code 1983, strengthening penalties, expanding enforcement powers, and ensuring laws reflect community expectations around animal welfare.
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
- a new minimum level of care offence
- clearer requirements for restraining dogs when travelling in vehicles and trailers
- new restrictions on the use of dog prong collars and electrical devices on animals
- expanded powers for authorised officers, including the right of entry to commercial premises where business activities involving animals are being conducted including training and racing facilities, and locked vehicles to rescue animals
- powers to collect samples connected to suspected offences and to require proof of identity
- new Criminal Code offences targeting the production, possession, and dissemination of animal crush and bestiality material, with the maximum penalty for bestiality increased from 7 to 10 years' imprisonment, to reflect community expectations.
The NT Government and our Animal Welfare Branch will continue to engage and work with industry and the community to boost education and awareness of animal welfare obligations, and to ensure these laws are properly understood and enforced.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Animal Welfare Branch work to prevent cruelty, conduct inspections, investigate reports of offences, and ensure animals in the NT are treated humanely.
If you suspect an animal is being mistreated, contact the Animal Welfare Line on 1300 720 386 or email animalwelfare@nt.gov.au.
