New animal welfare reforms proposed by the NSW government would make it a distinct offence to leave a dog in a hot car, with significant penalties for those who put pets at risk. Under the proposed changes, owners could face fines of up to $44,000 or up to one year in jail for this offence.
The change aims to close gaps in current animal welfare laws by creating a clear, easy-to-enforce offence tailored to dangerous conditions pet dogs face in parked vehicles. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has emphasised that there’s no excuse for leaving a dog unattended in a hot car, noting that temperatures inside parked vehicles can climb rapidly — even on moderately warm days — to life-threatening levels for animals.
“On a 30°C day, the inside of a car can reach 70°C,” Minister Moriarty said, pointing out how quickly dogs can suffer from heat stress and potentially fatal conditions.
Easier Enforcement and Clearer Rules
While courts can already prosecute some cases under general cruelty rules, the new offence will be easier for authorities to enforce because it focuses specifically on the circumstances of leaving dogs in hot vehicles. Officials are yet to finalise the exact temperature or time thresholds that would automatically trigger the offence, but they are reviewing standards used in other states.
The government plans to introduce the legislation to the NSW Parliament in the first half of 2026. Alongside the hot-car offence, the reforms would also introduce tougher rules around transporting dogs in the open trays of utes and ban the use of prong collars, which can injure dogs when used improperly.
Why These Changes Matter
Dogs depend on us to protect them from dangerous conditions — and heat in enclosed vehicles can be especially cruel and swift. These proposed penalties reflect growing community expectations that pet owners prioritise safety and exercise responsible stewardship of their animals in all conditions.
Credit: ABC News — Original reporting by Nick
