A 38-year-old man has become the first person in Victoria to face animal abuse material charges under the state’s new legislation.
Victoria Police detectives from the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team executed a search warrant at a property in Melbourne’s west on Wednesday as part of an investigation into child abuse material.
Several electronic devices were seized during the operation after police allegedly found child abuse and animal abuse material. The Melton West man was arrested at the scene.
He was charged with 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 Victorian offences came into effect on November 1. Producing or distributing animal abuse material carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while possessing or accessing it carries a maximum of three years.
The legislation also expanded bestiality offences to include the sexual touching of an animal, as well as penetration.
Detective Inspector Mark Chapman said the laws gave police greater powers to pursue people accused of producing, sharing, possessing or accessing animal abuse material.
“The alleged offending is deeply disturbing, and this legislation marks an important milestone,” Det Insp Chapman said.
“These new offences give police stronger powers to target those who produce, share, possess or access animal abuse material.
“The legislation sends a clear message that cruelty towards animals will not be tolerated.”
The accused man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
