NSW Govt wants to make it illegal to leave dogs in hot cars

Penalties for the offence could include one year in prison or up to $44,000 in fines.

If passed, the bill would also ban prong collars and “address potential loopholes” in legislation covering animal fights.

The Government says it expects to introduce the bill in the first half of this year.

Bill

The new bill is aimed at “strengthen[ing] animal welfare protections” by making it a criminal offence to leave dogs alone in hot cars or on the back of utes.

This offence could carry a one year jail sentence or a fine up to $44,000, under the proposed bill.

The NSW RSPCA has received more than 500 reports of dogs being “locked in cars” over the last six years.

The bill would also outlaw the use or possession of prong collars, which stick metal spikes into a dog’s neck to discipline them.

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These collars are already illegal in Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland.

The Government says the bill will also “strengthen” animal fighting law.

People found guilty of involvement in animal fights would face a penalty of two years in jail or up to $110,000 in fines.

Comments

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said: “Leaving dogs in locked cars on hot days is not acceptable, and neither is the use of collars with prongs that spike into the necks of puppies and dogs.”

Shadow Agriculture Minister Brendan Moylan told TDA the Opposition hasn’t seen the bill, so does not yet have a position.

NSW Animal Welfare League CEO Stephen Albin said the bill “addresses some of the worst examples of animal cruelty.”