This discussion then extended to children being left unattended, even to just quickly run into a shop.

Each of these circumstances is governed by acts of parliament.

Although these situations are governed by legislation, I seek the assistance of communities in not allowing these instances to occur in the first place.

What if you left your vehicle to go into a store and for some reason the motor caught fire due to a fuel leak? Would your children or pet(s) be able to escape? This would be a devastating situation to deal with and one we shouldn’t allow to occur.

There are two specific laws relating to animals and children. 

The relevant act for animals is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. 

Section 9 (1) (c) states: A person who does or omits to do an act with the result that unreasonable pain or suffering is caused, or is likely to be caused to an animal ....commits an act of cruelty upon that animal and is guilty of an offence. The penalties can be imprisonment for 12 months or substantial fines up to $30,000.

The relevant act relating to children is Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. Section 494 provides for the offence to leave a child unattended. It states: A person who has the control or charge of a child must not leave the child without making reasonable provision for the child’s supervision and care for a time which is unreasonable, having regards to all the circumstances of the case. The penalty is a maximum of three months in jail and a fine of $2165.

Both of these acts and the penalties enforced show just how serious the legislators and community consider the dangers and risks of leaving children and animals unattended.

My advice is to never leave anything to chance and rather than taking the easy option, make the right decisions that ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of your children or animal, especially as the warmer weather approaches.