Table 7.

Definition of cruelty in the corresponding state and territory animal welfare statute.

Jurisdiction	Definition
ACT	doing, or not doing, something to an animal that causes, or is likely to cause, injury, pain, stress or death to the animal that is unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable in the circumstances [76].
NSW	any act or omission as a consequence of which the animal is unreasonably, unnecessarily or unjustifiably inflicted with pain [29]. *
NT	causes the animal unnecessary suffering [49]. *
QLD	causes [the animal] pain that, in the circumstances, is unjustifiable, unnecessary or unreasonable [52]. *
SA **	intentionally, unreasonably or recklessly causes the animal unnecessary harm [79]. *
TAS	any act, or omit to do any duty, which causes or is likely to cause unreasonable and unjustifiable pain or suffering to an animal [56].
VIC	No definition included. ***
WA	in any way causes the animal unnecessary harm [59]. *

* Other specific definitions are included. ** SA uses the term ‘ill treatment’ instead of the commonplace ‘cruelty’ used throughout the remaining jurisdictions. *** VIC uses specific examples of what constitutes ‘cruelty’ under Section 9, but there is no strict definition [77].