Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Animal Welfare Act 1999

Care of animals - Penalties

25: Penalties

You could also call this:

"What happens if you don't follow the animal welfare rules"

If you break the law against animal welfare, you can get in trouble. You might have to go to prison for up to 12 months or pay a fine of up to $50,000, or both. If you are a company, you can get a fine of up to $250,000.

This applies if you break the rules in sections like section 12, section 14(1), or section 21 of the Animal Welfare Act. You have to do what the law says to take care of animals. If you do not, you will get a penalty.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM50423.

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Part 1Care of animals
Penalties

25Penalties

  1. A person who commits an offence against section 12 or section 14(1) or section 14(2) or section 21 or section 22(2) or section 23(1) or section 23(2) is liable on conviction,—

  2. in the case of an individual, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to both; or
    1. in the case of a body corporate to a fine not exceeding $250,000.

      Notes
      • Section 25: amended, on , by section 18 of the Animal Welfare Amendment Act (No 2) 2015 (2015 No 49).
      • Section 25: amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
      • Section 25(a): amended, on , by section 4(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 93).
      • Section 25(a): amended, on , by section 4(1)(b) of the Animal Welfare Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 93).
      • Section 25(b): amended, on , by section 4(2) of the Animal Welfare Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 93).