Fleurieu folk who have been horrified by acts of animal cruelty in recent times can take action by having a say on a review of animal welfare laws.

Public consultation has opened on the first significant review of the Animal Welfare Act in 15 years, which aims to ensure animal welfare standards are clear and enforceable.

The RSPCA has raised concerns that it is not able to prosecute some acts of cruelty due to weaknesses in the existing law. 

This includes puppy factories where animals are kept in filthy conditions, yet prosecutions are risky and expensive to run.

A YourSay webpage and online survey provides the public with an opportunity to share feedback about how the laws work and how they could improve.

CEO of RSPCA South Australia Paul Stevenson says RSPCA is extremely pleased that the government has announced this review.

“Last year, our organisation undertook a national assessment of animal welfare legislations which revealed that South Australia currently has the weakest legislated animal protections of any state in Australia.  

“This opportunity to modernise our Act is therefore urgently needed.”

The Department for Environment and Water will analyse all community feedback and provide a report of the outcomes to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close.

She says the review offers an opportunity to shape laws that determine the future care of animals.

“We recognise this legislation needs updating to reflect community expectations that laws against cruelty should be enforceable.”

National Parks and Wildlife Service Director of Conservation and Wildlife Lisien Loan says South Australians are passionate about the welfare of  animals, from pets to wild species.

“We are keen to hear from a broad cross-section of the community. You do not need specialist knowledge in animal welfare to participate in the survey.”

Consultation is open until Sunday 26 March. For more information and to participate go to the YourSay website.