POOR care of stock and pets during extreme heat could lead to huge fines or jail time for irresponsible owners.
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Changes have been made to animal welfare laws, allowing officers from Agriculture Victoria, the RSPCA and Victoria police the power to issue notices on acts of animal cruelty.
Previously, the law only allowed inspectors to issue a notice to an animal’s owner.
The law changes are being backed up by some hefty punishment.
The penalty for causing animals to suffer can be a fine as high as $77,730 or two years imprisonment. The warning for animal owners comes after the temperature in the south-west soared towards the 40s last Saturday.
RSPCA Warrnambool shelter supervisor Tracey Patterson said summer can be a challenging time for animals.
“On the really hot days people have to be mindful of the needs of their animals,” Ms Patterson said.
“For their pets, they need to find them a cool area with plenty of water and also if needed get them inside.
“When it comes to walking dogs, if you want to do that on a hot day then make it isn’t too hot. If you put the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds and it’s too hot then it’s too hot to walk your dog.
“In that heat, their paws can burn and blister. Most dogs love going in the water on a hot day but just be aware also how hot the sand is on their paws. With animals in paddocks, make sure their water troughs are always full and they have shade.”
Ms Patterson said rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable in the hot weather with a high morality rate when the temperature reaches extreme levels.
Other hot weather advice to animal owners includes:
- Not handling or transporting livestock during extreme heat.
- If this is unavoidable, people should plan ahead to avoid handling or transporting their livestock during the hottest times of day, and must schedule access to water and frequent, shady rest stops.
- Feeding heat-stressed horses electrolytes and cooling them down by hosing them with cool water or placing wet towels over them.
- Exercising pets in the cool of the day.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford added her voice to the need for responsible pet ownership during the warmer months.
“Whether you have herds of cattle, a few riding horses or a couple of cats, it is incumbent upon you to look after your animals’ welfare,” Ms Pulford said.
“Especially in hot weather by providing plenty of water, feed and shade.”
