Australia's new Animal Welfare Act gives the courts the power to impose fines of up to$ 50,000, with a maximum five-year jail sentence, to anyone convicted of animal cruelty.
The law also bans tail docking and introduces new cruelty offenses for those failing to provide animals with proper food and water, it allows courts to protect animals by seizing them and banning a person found guilty of abuse from owning animals in the future.
Congratulations to all Pettalkers from "Down Under" for having such an enlightened government!