Every year, RSPCA Queensland receives nearly 700 calls relating to dogs left unattended in hot vehicles. That’s almost 60 every month.
With temperatures rising across the state, RSPCA Queensland is reminding pet owners of the dangers facing pets left in vehicles.
Queenslanders love taking their dogs everywhere - cafés, parks, errands, day trips. But plans change, queues get long, venues aren’t always dog-friendly, and suddenly a well-intended outing for your dog becomes dangerous. Inside a parked car, temperatures can become lethal in minutes.
“No animal should ever suffer or lose their life by being left in a hot car,” says RSPCA Qld Chief Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester.
“If you’re not 100% sure your dog can stay with you the entire time, please leave them safely at home.”
In light of recent events where a dog tragically lost its life after being left inside a vehicle, it’s a solemn reminder of the dangers of leaving pets unattended in vehicles.
Are penalties tough enough on dogs left in hot cars?
Many Queenslanders are concerned that animal protection laws aren’t strong enough.
In 2022, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 was amended, introducing a new offence:
- Section 17(2)(a) now allows courts to apply the same maximum penalty as a cruelty offence when a failure in duty of care results in an animal’s death, also known as an aggravated duty of care offence.
This was an important and welcome addition to the legislation which now recognises that a serious act of neglect which leads to suffering and the death of an animal is equivalent in seriousness to an act of cruelty to an animal.
- Section 18 prohibits acts of cruelty to an animal. This includes confining the animal in vehicle in a way that is inappropriate for the animal’s welfare.
Both of these offences attract a maximum penalty of 2,000 penalty units (currently $333,800) or 3 years in prison. Whilst Queensland’s maximum penalties are better than some other states in Australia, there is no minimum penalty stipulated. Where a conviction is achieved, sentencing is determined by the court and will take into account sentencing factors in accordance with the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992.
In Queensland, Police can also charge a person with serious animal cruelty under the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld) which attracts a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment.
How can you help an animal left in a hot car?
- Call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) with all details about the car, pet and situation unfolding
- Or the Police on 000 for cases of emergency where a pet needs urgent assistance
- If you are in a carpark, notify Centre Management immediately
Read more about heatstroke signs and what to do.
