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.

Update 29/03

Since our last update, the Arnie’s Law campaign has continued to progress.

Following the meeting between the Arnie’s Law Working Group and Jonty Bush MP, a formal request has been sent to the Attorney-General seeking a meeting with representatives of the advocacy group and policy advisors to discuss the proposed reforms. We are currently awaiting a response from the Attorney-General’s office.

Supporters are also being encouraged to respectfully email the Attorney-General to reinforce the community’s request for this meeting and ensure the voices of Queenslanders are heard.

The Working Group has continued to examine broader issues affecting animal welfare enforcement, including the decline in animal cruelty convictions since oversight transitioned from the RSPCA to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Judicial education has also been identified as an important part of ensuring animal welfare laws are applied effectively in the courts.

Jonty Bush MP is hoping to speak on Arnie’s Law during the next sitting of Parliament.

How You Can Help

Ask the Attorney-General to Meet with Arnie’s Law Advocates

Jonty Bush MP has written to the Queensland Attorney-General requesting a meeting between her office and representatives of the Arnie’s Law advocacy group, so the concerns raised by the community can be discussed directly.

The request is currently with the Attorney-General.

By sending an email, you can respectfully encourage the Attorney-General to accept this meeting and hear directly from the community about why stronger animal welfare protections are needed.

How to send your email

1. Add a short personal message at the top of the letter explaining why this issue matters to you.
2. Review the rest of the message.
3. Enter your name and suburb or postcode.
4. Click send, your email will go directly to the Attorney-General.

What to include in your personal message

Personal messages are important. They show decision-makers that real members of the community care about this issue.

You may wish to mention:

• Why animal welfare is important to you
• How Arnie’s case affected you
• Why you believe animal cruelty should be treated seriously
• Your expectations for stronger protections for animals

Even one or two sentences can make a difference.

Thank you for helping ensure the voices of Queenslanders calling for stronger animal welfare protections are heard.

You can also 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

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/