PETITION TARGET: The Honourable Tara Moriarty, Member of the Legislative Council and Minister for Agriculture
A panting, thirsty dog was reportedly left alone inside a parked vehicle for more than an hour as temperatures topped 30°C (86°F) in Campbelltown, Western Sydney. The vehicle’s windows were reportedly down, and bystanders gave the dog water before calling Fire and Rescue NSW. The owner drove away before the crew arrived.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Enforcement and Operational Powers) Bill 2026 would make leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes when it is above 28°C (82°F) a specific offense unless adequate cooling or ventilation is running. An individual could face a fine of up to A$44,000 (about US$31,000) or a prison sentence of up to 1 year.
The bill’s wider protections would also prohibit prong collars, require clean water for animals tethered longer than 2 hours, and mandate pain relief when skin is cut from around a sheep’s breech and tail during mulesing. It would strengthen animal-fighting laws and allow accredited inspectors to give sedation or pain relief to animals in distress while veterinary care is sought.
The legislation remains at the second-reading stage in the Legislative Council. Until both Houses of the New South Wales Parliament approve it, these protections remain only proposals.
Sign our petition urging New South Wales Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty to work with members of Parliament to pass the bill. Dogs should not have to endure dangerous heat before the law provides clear, enforceable limits, and other animals deserve stronger safeguards from pain and cruelty.
