Animal welfare

All animals in the Northern Territory (NT) are entitled to a standard level of care for their welfare under the Animal Protection and Related Legislation Amendment Act 2025.

If you’re in charge of any animal – wild, farmed or a family pet, you must make sure they:

• have the right kind of food, water and living conditions
• get proper treatment if they’re sick or injured
• are allowed to exercise and are handled appropriately
• will not be harmed by any confinement or restraint
• are worked, ridden or used only in ways that are appropriate and not in an organised animal fight
• are not abandoned.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries oversee the Act and Regulations and respond to complaints regarding non-compliance from animal owners.

Animal Welfare officers act to prevent animal cruelty and promote community awareness about animal welfare.

Changes to animal protection laws

A number of changes to the former Animal Protection Act 2018 and Animal Protection Regulations 2022 have been made, with the new Animal Protection and Related Legislation Amendment Act 2025 legislation commencing 3 November 2025.

These changes aim to continue improving animal welfare in the NT and include:

• increased penalties for cruelty offences and minimum care breaches
• new minimum level of care offences
• requirements for restraining dogs when travelling in vehicles and trailers
• new restrictions on using electrical devices on animals
• a ban on using or possessing dog prong collars
• expanded powers for authorised officers, including:
  • entering commercial premises where business activities involving animals are being conducted, including training and racing facilities
  • using reasonable force to enter a locked vehicle to rescue an animal that appears to be in distress
  • collecting samples connected to suspected offences and requesting an individual’s proof of identity
• new Criminal Code offences targeting producing, possessing and distributing animal crush and bestiality material
  • the maximum penalty for animal sex offences has increased from 7 to 10 years' imprisonment, reflecting community expectations.