New Offences for Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars, Prong Collars, Glue Traps, and Muleeing Sheep Without Pain Relief
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Enforcement and Operational Powers) Bill 2026
1st House
2nd House
Law
This bill was sponsored by Tara Moriarty (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle in hot conditions without adequate cooling or ventilation is a new offence, as is restraining a dog on a metal tray in a vehicle without insulating material.
Tethering any animal for more than two hours without providing access to clean water is a new offence.
The Mules operation (cutting skin from a sheep's hindquarters to prevent flystrike) must be performed with a pain relief product — performing it without pain relief is a new offence.
Possessing or using a prong collar (a collar with inward-pointing metal spikes) on any animal is prohibited.
Glue traps are prohibited to possess or use, except for certain types permitted by the regulations.
Animal welfare inspectors gain new powers including authority to administer sedatives or pain relief to an animal in distress.
The Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries may issue seizure orders for distressed stock animals and can direct owners to keep stock off specified land.
Offences relating to animal sexual abuse are classified as animal cruelty offences under this Act.