Arnie, a German Shepherd, tragically died after allegedly being left in a vehicle for days and later found deceased. This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected the community and exposed major gaps in Queensland’s animal protection laws.

Arnie’s Law aims to strengthen protections for companion animals by addressing weaknesses in the current legal framework - focusing on penalties for negligence, clear welfare standards, and recognition of sentience.

We Are Campaigning For:

1. Increased Penalties for Negligence - Increase the minimum and maximum penalties for cruelty and breaches of duty of care so that neglect, abandonment, and failure to seek vet treatment carry real consequences. Ensure courts have stronger sentencing options, including longer bans on animal ownership and harsher penalties for repeat or aggravated cases.
2. Clear, Legally Enforceable Standards - Establish legally defined minimum standards of care so “reasonable steps” are no longer vague. Clear standards give authorities and courts the power to properly enforce neglect and cruelty offences and stop serious cases being downgraded.
3. Recognition of Companion Animals as Sentient Beings - Amend the law to explicitly recognise that animals can feel pain, fear, distress and positive emotions. Sentience must guide how the law is written, enforced, and applied in court, ensuring penalties, prosecutions, and protections match the reality of an animal’s lived experience.

Legislation for Amendment

To implement Arnie’s Law, amendments are required to:

1. Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (QLD)

• Increase penalties (sections relating to duty of care & cruelty).
• Insert formal recognition of animal sentience.
• Authorise enforceable minimum standards for companion animals.

2. Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2023 (QLD)

• Specify minimum standards for nutrition, shelter, vet care, containment, enrichment, and protection from harm.

3. Criminal Code Act 1899 (QLD)

• Strengthen aggravated cruelty provisions and sentencing frameworks, including lifetime animal ownership bans.

How You Can Help

1. Take action by sending a pre-Written Letter to the Premier

Use our letter tool below to ask the Queensland Government to support Arnie’s Law.

2. Sign the petition for Arnie's Law

(Started by community members, not managed by AJP)

Follow this link: https://www.change.org/p/introduce-arnie-s-law-stronger-penalties-for-crimes-against-pets

Keep your eye out for the official QLD e-petition coming soon!

3. Tag Your Local MP in Our Posts or Send Them a Letter

Raise visibility and urge your representative to support Arnie’s Law - Facebook Profile

4. Attend the upcoming Rally & March to Parliament

(Organised by community members, not managed by AJP)

Link to the Facebook Event is here - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FBtC3weww/

What Other States Are Doing - Keep up Queensland!

Other states across Australia are already moving toward stronger, more modern animal welfare laws. Arnie’s Law would bring Queensland in line with these emerging national standards.

ACT - Recognising Sentience

The ACT became the first jurisdiction to legally recognise animals as sentient beings in 2019.
You can read more about it here.

Victoria - Updating Its Animal Welfare Framework

Victoria is progressing a major update to its animal care laws, including recognising animal sentience and introducing clearer care standards.
Georgie Purcell and The Animal Justice Party contributed a 42-page submission to this consultation and provided 64 recommendations. 
You can read more about it here and on the AJP Victoria website.

South Australia – Modernised Laws Including Sentience

South Australia’s recent reforms include explicit recognition that animals can think and feel.
AJP supporters added their voice through the consultation and advocacy process.
You can read more about it here and on the AJP South Australia website.

NSW – Modernised Laws Including Sentience

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Animal Sentience) Bill was presented but unfortunately lapsed at prorogation in 2023. Since then, Emma Hurst and the Animal Justice Party have championed modern animal welfare reforms, including supporting recognition of animal sentience, closing legal loopholes, and improving enforcement.
You can read more about it here.

This also links to our national Animal Justice Party position on companion animals - Companion Animals - AJP National

Resources:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-20/qld-man-charged-for-leaving-dog-in-car/106031602

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/the-grey-valley-backstreet-where-arnie-died-in-his-owners-black-ute-20251121-p5nhge.html

https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2025/11/20/update-1-stolen-vehicle-and-family-dog-appeal-wynnum/