Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (PoCTA) aims to prevent an animal’s unnecessary pain or suffering.

Hunters should be aware this Act requires that:

• no unnecessary pain or cruelty is caused to an animal being hunted or killed
• hunting dogs must receive veterinary treatment if injured
• dogs must be restrained or caged while on the back of a moving vehicle
• transportation of animals must not unnecessarily inflict pain
• dogs or other animals that are kept and used for hunting must receive food, drink, housing and regular exercise
• possession or use of a ‘shock’ collar is prohibited.