Queenslanders who leave their dog in the car — even just for a minute — could face jail time and a fine under proposed new laws.
The state government wants people to be charged with animal cruelty in cases where they are breaching their duty of care, even in cases where no heat stress was suffered. An amendment to the existing duty of care will mention how handling an animal includes confining or transporting it in a car.
Breaching that duty of care would carry a maximum fine of $40,035 and a year behind bars.
The amended animal cruelty offence will clarify that a person is guilty if an animal is confined in a car and suffers heat stress or pain, with a maximum $266,900 fine or up to three years in jail.