Have you been charged with Abandoning an Animal Kept for Domestic Purposes?

What does it mean to be Charged with Abandoning an Animal Kept for Domestic Purposes?

Under Section 9(1)(h) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (“PCA”), a person commits an offence if they abandon an animal that is of a species typically kept in confinement or for a domestic purpose. This provision covers pets and other animals that rely on human care and protection. Abandonment in this context refers to leaving an animal without care or provisions, which places the animal in a vulnerable state and exposes it to potential suffering.

What must the prosecution prove?

For a conviction under this charge, the prosecution must prove:

1. You intentionally left the animal without care.
2. The abandoned animal must be of a species generally kept in confinement or for domestic purposes (e.g., pets like dogs, cats, or animals kept for farming).

Abandoning the animal subjected it to harm, suffering, or distress

Penalties for Abandoning an Animal kept for Domestic Purposes:

Penalties for abandoning an animal can include fines of up to 250 penalty units or 12 months’ imprisonment for individuals, and 600 penalty units for corporate entities.

Where will my case be heard?

Abandoning an animal kept for domestic purposes cases can ONLY be heard in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.