A 38-year-old man has become the first person charged under one state’s new animal abuse material legislation.

Detectives from Victoria Police’s Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team executed a search warrant in Melbourne’s west on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into child abuse material.

During the raid police seized several electronic devices from the property after finding alleged child abuse and animal abuse material.

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The Melton West man was arrested at the scene.

He was charged with transmit child abuse material, cause child abuse material to be transmitted to self, two counts of possess child abuse material and possess animal abuse material.

The arrest marks the first time Victoria Police have laid charges under Victoria’s new animal abuse material laws, which took effect on November 1.

Those offences now carry maximum sentences of three to five years’ imprisonment for producing, distributing, possessing or accessing animal abuse material.

Detective Inspector Mark Chapman said the new legislation allowed police to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

“The alleged offending is deeply disturbing, and this legislation marks an important milestone,” Det Insp Chapman said on Monday.

“These new offences give police stronger powers to target those who produce, share, possess or access animal abuse material.

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“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.

FOUR NEW INDICTABLE OFFENCES WERE INTRODUCED:

* Section 57 – produce animal abuse material (5 years maximum)

* Section 58 – distribute animal abuse material (5 year maximum)

* Section 59 – possess animal abuse material (3 year maximum)

* Section 60 – access animal abuse material (3 year maximum)

* The updates also expanded bestiality laws to encompass sexual touching of an animal in addition to penetration