Man charged under Victoria's new animal abuse material laws

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 00:26 · Archive

A 38-year-old man has become the first person charged under Victoria's new animal abuse material legislation, which took effect on November 1.

A 38-year-old man from Melton West in Melbourne has become the first person charged under Victoria's new animal abuse material legislation, which took effect on November 1. Detectives from Victoria Police's Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team executed a search warrant at the property on Wednesday as part of an investigation into child abuse material. Police seized several electronic devices and found alleged child abuse and animal abuse material on them. The man was arrested at the scene.

He was charged with multiple offences: transmitting child abuse material, causing child abuse material to be transmitted to himself, two counts of possessing child abuse material, and possessing animal abuse material. The new offences carry maximum sentences ranging from three to five years' imprisonment for producing, distributing, possessing or accessing animal abuse material.

Detective Inspector Mark Chapman said the legislation allowed police to hold offenders accountable for their actions. "These new offences give police stronger powers to target those who produce, share, possess or access animal abuse material," he said. "The legislation sends a clear message that cruelty towards animals will not be tolerated." The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

How it is being reported

• Man charged over animal, child abuse materialFor the first time following the introduction of new legislation in one state, a man has been charged with possession of animal abuse material.The West Australian · 9 Nov, 00:12
• Man charged over animal, child abuse materialFor the first time following the introduction of new legislation in one state, a man has been charged with possession of animal abuse material.Perth Now · 9 Nov, 00:12

In this story: Victoria Police · Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team · Melbourne · Melton West · Mark Chapman · Melbourne Magistrates Court

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