Compulsory codes of practice for animal welfare

Compulsory codes of practice are rules that people must follow.

The maximum penalty for not complying with a provision of a compulsory code of practice is Unavailable. Please contact DAF 13 25 23.

Compulsory codes of practice are contained in the Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2023 (the Regulation).

The compulsory codes in Queensland are:

The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (scientific use code) is also compulsory. It is adopted as a compulsory code under section 91 of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. A penalty of up to Unavailable. Please contact DAF 13 25 23 or 1 year imprisonment applies.

Failing to follow compulsory codes

A person who does not comply with a requirement of a compulsory code of practice commits an offence.

The maximum penalty for an individual is Unavailable. Please contact DAF 13 25 23.

A person who breaches the scientific use code may be sentenced up to 1 year in prison.

For less serious breaches, a person may receive a:

  • warning letter
  • direction from inspectors to comply with a requirement of a code of practice.

If a person does not follow the direction, they can be prosecuted.