David Carter

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - A bill that significantly raises penalties for cruelty to animals was introduced to Parliament today.

It is the result of the Government adopting a member's bill drafted by National MP Simon Bridges, and is under the control of Agriculture Minister David Carter.

The existing penalty for wilful ill-treatment of an animal is up to three years' imprisonment or a maximum fine of $50,000, or both, for an individual.

The bill increases that to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000, or both.

A new offence of reckless ill-treatment is being created, which the bill says will enable prosecution of cases that might otherwise fail to meet the threshold for wilful ill-treatment.

It would have to be proved that a person knew or appreciated that serious harm to an animal could occur, and unreasonably ran the risk.

The bill will go on Parliament's agenda for a first reading.