To: The Premier of Queensland. The Hon. David Crisafulli, and the Queensland Government.

We. the undersigned, call on the Queensland Government to introduce "Arnie's Law" to strengthen protections for companion animals, following the tragic death of Arnie, a German Shepherd, tragically died after allegedly being left in a vehicle by the owner and later found deceased. This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected the community, highlighting a gap in the law regarding the protection of Pets.

While recent police updates have clarified the circumstances of Arnie's death, this tragedy has highlighted a broader and ongoing issue: current penalties do not adequately reflect the seriousness of losing an animal, the penalties often fail to reflect the true seriousness of the offence.

We believe there needs to be clearer, stronger legal protections for pets.

Arnie's Law would:

1. Ensuring that causing the serious injury or death of a companion animal during a crime is treated as a serious offence, with penalties that reflect the harm caused.
2. Increase penalties, including custodial options, for offenders whose actions lead to the serious harm or death of a pet.
3. Recognise companion animals as sentient beings, not property
4. Introduce clear sentencing guidelines for cases where an animal is harmed or killed due to reckless, negligent, or criminal conduct.

Pets are family to many. When a pet loses its life due to someone's action, whether deliberate, reckless, or occurring during another criminal offence, the law must recognise the seriousness of that loss.

We call on the Government to urgently strengthen animal protection laws to ensure accountability, consistency and justice for pets.

Please sign and share this petition to help make Arnie's Law a reality. 

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