Dog owners in Queensland who leave a dog in a hot car will face up to $266,900 fine and up to three years in prison under new changes to the law.
Proposed amendments to current laws would make it clear that leaving a dog in a hot vehicle that could get too hot is an offense, making it easier and simpler to prosecute people who keep on ignoring the warnings, said Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner.
“Everyone should be at their best in recognising what the welfare of an animal is, particularly in a car that’s locked up, or with the window partially down,” he stated.
“It can result in extreme conditions for that animal in a short period of time.”
Amendments to the existing duty of care will declare how handling a pet includes confining or transporting it in a vehicle.
Breathing the duty of care would carry a year in prison or a fine of $40,035.
The amended animal cruelty offense will clarify that an individual is guilty if an animal suffers pain or heat because of being confined in a hot car, with a maximum of $266,900 fine and three years behind bars.
The RSPCA receives more than 350,000 calls to their animal hotline every year. There are more than 1,000 distress calls about animals being left in vehicles in the heat.
“Do not risk your dog’s life in a hot car. Leave your dog (and other animals) at home with shade, shelter and access to fresh water,” the RSPCA website reads.
“Leave your dog secured in a safe area in the shade outside the vehicle with access to water, and ideally under the supervision of a reliable person, if you have to leave the animal for a short time.”
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