The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has released a Discussion Paper asking for community input on measures to crack down on irresponsible dog owners and keep the community safe from dangerous dogs.
Included in the Discussion Paper is a proposal for a new offence with potential jail time for serious attacks, a standardised State-wide requirement for all dogs to be effectively controlled in public places, and the banning of restricted dog breeds.
Other proposed measures include on-the-spot fines for off-leash dogs and an education campaign with a focus on young people.
A taskforce, made up of Mayors and Councillors from across Queensland, the Local Government Association of Queensland, the RSPCA and senior Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Officers, was established to undertake a targeted review of the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said it was time for Queenslanders to have their say on the proposed reforms.
“Community feedback is crucial in drafting new legislation. It is so important that we get this right to make sure any new laws meet community expectations,” Mr Furner said.
Chief Executive of the Local Government Association of Queensland, Alison Smith said there was a need to take tougher actions on irresponsible dog owners, and for there to be swift processes in place after a savage dog attack had happened.
“Ratepayers would be alarmed to know that Queensland Councils are being forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees because irresponsible owners are using the courts to drag out the fate of these dangerous animals after their dog has been impounded and a destruction order made,” Ms Smith said.
Submissions on the Discussion Paper can be submitted until 24 August. It can be accessed at this PS News link.
