Scum of the Earth, rotten to the core.

Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason. If you have ever had a dog, you will appreciate the twist that DOG is GOD spelled backwards.

Throughout history, people have considered dogs among their closest and best companions. Of all the domesticated animals, they serve the broadest roles. They can protect, help, save lives, and, above all, be companions. They are incredible friends to people, and they’ve been companions to people for over 15,000 years. The relationship between dogs and people is deep and old.

Dogs have been domesticated to a point where they need us to survive. Who else is going to pick up their poo? But we need them almost as much. It is a symbiotic relationship. Most dog owners will tell you that their dog is a family member. The loss of a dog can be as traumatic, if not more so, than the loss of another family member.

Those of you who follow me will know how much I value my two little dogs (the “girls” as they are affectionately known). I'm shocked by how some people treat their dogs. It’s hard to believe the lies they tell themselves.

I caught a story on the news last week about Arnie, the German Shepard. It disgusted me. If I were still running my dirty dozen series, Arnie’s owner would be a definite inclusion.

Arnie’s Story

Arnie, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, was left in a car with no food or water. We are not talking about a couple of hours. Arnie’s owner abandoned his vehicle on November 7. The body of Arnie was eventually found on November 17, ten days later.

The man (let’s just call him "Mr Scumbag") alleged that his car had been stolen from outside his home with his dog in it. The man’s partner reported the car and dog missing.

Mr. Scumbag reached out to the public with heartfelt appeals. He asked for help to find his beloved partner, Arnie. He claimed Arnie had been sleeping in the car because he did not get along with the other dog at his partner’s house.

After neighbors reported seeing the car, Mr. Scumbag reached out to the public. He pleaded for his return and mentioned he didn’t care about the vehicle.

The Cover-up

Mr Scumbag, 43, who began by helping the police, now faces charges for neglecting an animal. This is under the Animal Protection Act.

Investigations revealed the theft report was false. Police discovered that Mr Scumbag had left the vehicle with Arnie inside while he went out on the town. He had been so intoxicated he forgot where he parked his black Toyota Hilux – and was too ashamed to admit the truth because of his dealings with a sex worker that night.

Arnie was unattended for up to 72 hours. Sadly, he died from severe dehydration.

The act is bad enough. But claiming that the car and Arnie were stolen made things worse. This led to a big search by the police and the public. It's hard to find words to describe it.

The verdict and penalty

Mr Scumbag was sentenced last week. He must complete 240 hours of community service. No convictions were recorded. His partner, who had also been dishonest and misled the police, was not charged. We call it a justice system?

A petition with thousands of signatures now seeks to protect companion animals. The petition "Arnie's Law" aims to close gaps in current laws.

The requested changes include stricter penalties for cruelty and duty-of-care violations. Neglect, abandonment, and failure to seek veterinary care have serious consequences. These issues should result in tougher sentences. This means longer bans on owning pets. It also includes tougher penalties for repeat or serious offenders.

We need clearer standards. This will help authorities and courts enforce neglect and cruelty laws. It will also stop serious cases from being overlooked.

Anyone who can do this to an animal or abuse a pet in any other way should never be allowed to own a pet again, in my opinion.

The 240-day community work sentence – what a joke. Queensland’s police minister has sought legal advice about a potential appeal to the sentence handed to him.

Maybe it is just me. What do you think?

Till next time,

Calvin