People who leave their dogs in hot cars could be sent to prison, under changes to animal welfare laws being proposed by the state government.
It is planning to introduce a specific offence for leaving a dog in a hot car, with penalties of up to $44,000 or one year in jail.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said there was "no excuse" for leaving a dog in a hot car.
"It's unacceptable in this day and age [and] people need to understand the implications," Ms Moriarty said.
On a 30 degree Celsius day, the interior of a parked car could reach 70°C, she said.
"That's a death knell for an animal left inside."
Owners who leave their dogs in hot vehicles can already be prosecuted in the most serious circumstances, but the new offence would be easier to prove if certain temperature and time limits are breached.
However, the government hasn't yet decided what they will be.
How hot is too hot?
In Victoria, once the outside temperature reaches 28 degrees, a dog cannot be left in a car for more than 10 minutes.
Ms Moriarty said the NSW government was considering the rules in other states and territories before finalising the time and temperature limits.
She also said "common sense" considerations would be written into the legislation when it is presented to parliament in the first half of 2026.
"Obviously if you have protections in place … you've got air conditioning and you are treating your animal with care, then authorities will be able to consider that."
However, she added that owners should never be leave their dogs in hot cars, even for short periods.
"Take it out of the car, bring it on a lead, tie it to the pole while you go in and pay for your petrol."
Ute owners on notice
Tradies, farmers and other motorists who travel with dogs on the back of utes will also be affected by the proposed legislation.
Ms Moriarty said owners would be required to offer their dogs protection from the elements on hot days.
"Access to water, access to fresh air, not being tied or tethered …where a dog can't get up and move on a really hot day," she said.
In Victoria, dogs must have access to insulating material to protect them from the hot metal tray once the temperature reaches 28C.
The proposed laws will be used by police and animal welfare agencies.
Stephen Albin, CEO of the Animal Welfare League NSW, said many dog owners now treated their pets as "constant companions", taking them everywhere.
"You've got to ensure you look after them, and that is by not keeping them in cars on hot days [and] not necessarily tethering them to the back of utes, unsafely," Mr Albin said.
Prong collars to be banned
The government also plans to ban the use of prong collars, which can hurt dogs when they pull on their leads or chains.
"They poke the necks of dogs, which is not good," Ms Moriarty said.
"You can't import the prong collars, but there are some in use across Australia and across New South Wales.
"We're now making sure that there's no loophole."
The use of prong collars will attract similar penalties to those for keeping dogs in hot cars.
There will also be tougher punishments for people who use animals for fighting purposes, including prison sentences of up to two years.
