Pet owners who leave their dog in a hot car for more than 10 minutes will face fines of up to $44,000 under the most significant reform to NSW’s animal cruelty laws in almost 50 years.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Enforcement and Operational Powers) Bill 2026 is set to be introduced to state parliament on Thursday following extensive parliamentary inquiries, consultations and more than 7000 submissions.
The Bill, if passed, will be the biggest update to animal protections in the state in 45 years, including new offences, an increase in existing penalties that “reflect community expectations”, and a crackdown on dog fighting.
The changes include a new offence that would make it illegal to leave a dog in a vehicle without adequate cooling or ventilation for more than 10 minutes in temperatures of more than 28C or if the animal is left on the tray of a ute under the same conditions.
Offenders will face a maximum fine of $44,000.
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Inspectors will also been empowered to sedate or offer pain relief to animals to ease immediate suffering.
Possession or use of painful dog “prong” collars will also be banned.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the changes were part of a raft of animal safety measures aimed at delivering on the Labor government’s election commitments.
“Our government has been driving sensible changes to animal welfare over three years, such as banning puppy farms, boosting funding for RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League, and stopping convicted people from keeping or working with animals,” she said.
“We are continuing with our work by updating the legislation so it strengthens protections for animals, closes loopholes that have frustrated enforcement, and brings our state into line with other states on key animal welfare issues.”
The Bill follows extensive consultation between the government and RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League, Australian Alliance for Animals, and agriculture groups.
“This makes me confident that we are providing practical and enforceable changes, which align with the needs of our society and the outlook of everyday people,” Ms Moriarty said.
The changes will also make it mandatory for pain relief to be administered on sheep during mulesing, regardless of the animal’s age.
Crackdown on dog fights
Under the Bill, existing animal fighting offences will be strengthened to outlaw the manufacture, transport, and use of animal fighting implements.
The reforms will also broaden the scope of prohibited activities to include training, possessing, or selling animals for fighting as well as being present at preparations for animal fights.
The government hopes the reforms will close existing loopholes and support law enforcement in responding to links between animal fighting and organised crime.
The maximum penalty for animal fighting will also increase to a fine of $110,000 or two years’ imprisonment or both.
Currently, it is an offence to manage, use, or authorise a place for animal fighting as well as promote, encourage, organise or attend fighting events.
