<P> The New South Wales 1979 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act prohibits cruelty to animals and creates a duty of care in animal users . These protections cover vertebrates as well as crustaceans in vertebrates . The Act provides for the development of regulations relating to different species of farm animals, and codes for some species have been made . </P> <P> The 1985 Animal Welfare Act of South Australia prohibits "intentionally, unreasonably, or recklessly causing an animal unnecessary harm", and creates a duty of care in animal owners . This applies to vertebrates except fish . Mandatory standards on specified species, transport, saleyards, and slaughter are incorporated under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 . </P> <P> Victoria's 1986 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act prohibits cruelty to all vertebrates and all adult decapod crustaceans . There are mandatory codes on conditions for keeping domestic animals, transport, and slaughter . </P> <P> The Australian Capital Territory's 1992 Animal Welfare Act prohibits cruelty by intentionally causing pain or failing to act . The law applies to vertebrates and cephalopods, as well as crustaceans intended for human consumption . With regard to farm animals, the Act prohibits debeaking and keeping commercial laying hens and pigs in "accommodation that is not appropriate", and provides for codes of practice on issues such as transport and slaughter to be made . </P>

What are the penalties for animal cruelty in australia