MP Adam Marshall unveils revamped animal cruelty punishments

"Cowards" caught committing acts of cruelty to animals will now face the harshest set of penalties in Australia.

The Agricultural Minister will introduce the legislation the State parliament this week.

It would see an eight-fold increase in the penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).

The set of measures would increase both financial penalties and gaol time, and introduce new offences to stop people ever being allowed to own, care or breed animals in NSW.

Mr Marshall said it was the next step on his crusade against those who neglect, harm or interfere with animals, especially illegal puppy factory operators

"Cruelty towards animals is one of the lowest acts and for too long our penalties here in NSW have lagged behind where they need to be," Mr Marshall said.

He said while most people treat animals with the care they deserve, there are people out there doing committing heinous acts against animals.

"These changes would enable our enforcement agencies to throw the book at those caught perpetrating cruelty offences," he explained.

"In some cases, these punishments are more than double that in most other states, so when these laws are passed, NSW will have the toughest set of animal cruelty penalties in Australia.

"Everyone - from those neglecting their pet in the backyard to covert puppy factory grubs - should be on notice from today; do the right thing or face the consequences."

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Mr Marshall said the NSW Government the penalties would be increased to match community expectations, and would work with its enforcement agencies, the NSW Police, RSPCA and Animal Welfare League, to ensure they are applied.

"Our crusade isn't over. The message is clear, if you abuse animals, or simply fail to care for them, you will get caught and it will cost you."