Hurting animal's feelings will soon be illegal in the ACT

Australian Capital Territories have proposed laws to make hurting animals’ feelings illegal. This law would not only protect the emotions of animals, but it would also prevent animal attacks and animal cruelty. The proposed law is aimed towards recognising the emotions and feelings of every animal. 

Canberra’s City Services Minister Chris Steel states that the proposed law was designed to make humans respect the feelings of animals. The Australian Capital Territory’s Labor-Greens government are developing these new laws so humans can recognise animals as ‘sentient beings that can feel emotion and pain’.

Part of this developing law would make it illegal to walk three or more dogs at the same time. A dog is much more prone to get anxious or overly excited if surrounded by too many dogs or people. This law would ensure ‘control of dogs and improve safety from dog attacks’. With this law set in stone, anyone who walks three or more dogs at a time will be fined.

One law that has already been passed is the Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill of 2019. This bill ensures that owners who fail to provide proper shelter, grooming, or exercise for their pet will be fined up to $3,750. Canberra's City Services law also proposes a $30,000 fine and up to three years of jail time for serious cases of animal cruelty.

Animal owners who are repeatedly convicted of animal cruelty are banned from ever owning or caring for any animals. Public consultations have closed on this proposed law, with the Australian Capital Territories expected to pass legislation in the middle of 2019.

While making an appearance on Triple J’s Hack radio program, Canberra’s City Minister Chris steel states, “It gives a new awareness that animals do feel emotions and they do feel pain. And when we’re considering legislative change, we need to consider that first and foremost”.

Chris Steel wants Australia to make a change in their treatment of animals. He believes animals are very emotionally conscious and many people don’t treat them with the respect they deserve.

Others disagree with the new laws being passed and believe legislation should be using their time and energy to solve different problems. Canberra radio 2CC breakfast presenter, Tim Shaw states that the proposed law would give pets as much power as human tenants.

“It looks like dogs and cats in the ACT will have an equal right as the tenant over the landlord, and they’re wondering why landlords are departing investment here in Canberra”, he explained on Sky News. Mr. Shaw believes the ACT needs to focus more on delivering better roads and rubbish collection.