LNP Leader Deb Frecklington is calling on residents to back her plan to prosecute callous pet owners who leave their dogs to swelter in hot cars.
The Queensland RSPCA receives more than a thousand reports of animals trapped in hot vehicles every year and the LNP is proposing a new law to tackle the problem.
“Each summer the RSPCA and police are flooded with calls about poor dogs left trapped inside hot cars,” Ms Frecklington.
“Some of these poor animals are rescued in time – but tragically some aren’t.
“The owners usually escape punishment, but they should be held responsible.
“A future LNP Government will make it a specific offence to leave a dog trapped in a hot car, making it easier to take the culprits to court.
“Animals have rights too and the LNP will fight to protect them.”
The new offence, which has been proposed following consultation with Queensland RSPCA, would have a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine or three years’ jail.
LNP Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle has urged Sunshine Coast residents to sign the LNP’s petition supporting the new law (link below).
“We need to take a tougher stance on this animal welfare problem,” Mr McArdle said.
“A dog can die in just six minutes in a hot vehicle, but those responsible rarely face prosecution.”
Ms Frecklington has urged the Palaszczuk Labor Government to support the proposed law.
“We don’t have the numbers in Parliament but we would happily work with the Government to make this important change a reality,” Ms Frecklington said.
Petition link: https://bit.ly/2qvOboP
Media Contact: Stuart Sherwin 0438 011 226