We are asking for the voice of our government representatives to join ours in drafting a bill for harsher penalties in regards to crimes against animals. No reason is good enough for such abuse. 
Several states in America already regard animal cruelty to be a felony, and we are grateful for this, but still in Australia the penalties are way below what they should be. 
We ask for the penalties given to animal abusers begin with a minimum and mandatory sentence of six years and then to include more time at the judge’s discretion. 
We ask that once an abuser is convicted of animal cruelty they are not allowed to have a pet for the rest of their lives and must register on a registry for animal abusers.
We are asking that any crime against companion animals be classified as a felony. 
In the laws against animal cruelty we ask to be included tethering of any kind on a ute tray or any part of a vehicle when it reaches a certain temperature.  Dogs and cats must not be left outside or in a garage or kennel or any other uncooled area when it is over a certain temperature. Animals must not be left in an enclosure where they cannot stretch, walk around or get fresh air for an extended period of time or be without any human contact for extended periods of time. Dog collars must not be too tight; they should be two fingers in width between the dog's neck and the collar to ensure it does not cause neck lacerations on the dog.  Dogs and cats must not be hindered from moving around in what is natural and healthy to the animal, and must not be forced into a painful and dangerous situation. 
We ask that a guardian of animal immediately lose all rights to any dog or cat found to be starving or dehydrated on their property. To have to get the guardian’s permission to relinquish the animal only prolongs getting help for the victim. 
Cruelty is defined as an animal put or forced into a situation that causes harm or is not natural to that species of animal.

Sincerely, 
Animal Advocates