MEDIA RELEASE: 28 JANUARY 2021

INVESTIGATION FINDS THOUSANDS OF ANIMAL “CRUSH” FETISH VIDEOS IN AUSTRALIA SPARKING CALLS FOR NEW LAWS

Animal crush or animal ‘snuff’ videos are sexualised fetish videos involving the torture, crushing and killing of animals. A recent investigation found thousands of crush videos easily available for Australians to buy, download, save, watch and trade. Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst says new laws must be introduced. 

“While the act of bestiality and crushing of animals is illegal, there is NO specific offence in NSW which makes it illegal to possess or distribute bestiality or animal crush footage or images,” said Ms Hurst.

“We hired an open source investigator to find out how much of an ‘issue’ this was in Australia- and what we found was shocking.

"There are thousands of these fetish videos depicting the crushing and killing of kittens, puppies, dogs, baby chicks, snakes, rabbits, pigs, mice, ducklings, fish and insects,” said Ms Hurst.

Numerous websites, and even social media channels were identified for hosting or promoting crush videos, including one titled, “DreamCrush Australia”.

“By outlawing the possession of this graphic material, we can give police the powers necessary to investigate and charge the sick individuals who find the suffering of others sexually gratifying,” continued Ms Hurst.

“Research has shown that people who enjoy animal cruelty are likely involved in other criminal activity including child abuse and child pornography. Creating this new offence will give the police greater ability to prosecute people involved in both child and animal abuse, and could help obtain stronger sentences.

“I have been involved in animal protection for a long time and I’ve seen a lot of animal cruelty, but these videos depict some of the worst things I have ever witnessed. Our laws should protect animals from these vile zoosadists- currently they do not. 

“This must be made a crime. I actually can’t believe that possessing and trading in these videos is currently legal. I’ll be taking the findings from this investigation to the Attorney General’s office,” said Ms Hurst.

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