MELTON WEST, VIC. — A 38-year-old Melton West man has been charged after he was allegedly found to have animal and child abuse material following the introduction of new legislation earlier this month.
Detectives from the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) executed a search warrant at a Melton West address on Wednesday, November 4 as part of an ongoing investigation into child abuse material.
Investigators seized several electronic devices from the property after finding child abuse and animal abuse material.
The 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
He was charged with transmitting child abuse material, causing child abuse material to be transmitted to self, two counts of possessing child abuse material and possessing animal abuse material.
The Melton West man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10.
The new legislation relating to animal abuse material, which is now published in the Crimes Act 1958 [Vic], took effect on November 1, 2026.
Amendments have also been made to other sex offences, including bestiality (Section 54A), which now also includes sexual touching of an animal, as well as penetration.
