The Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate (TCCS) has issued a warning to dog owners that they have a responsibility to control their pets or they will be held accountable.
The warning follows Domestic Animal Services (DAS) receiving eight reports of dog attacks in one weekend this month.
Director of City Presentation with TCCS, Stephen Alegria said it was every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their pets were appropriately socialised, behaved, monitored and under effective control at all times.
“All dogs can be unpredictable and have the capacity to be aggressive and dangerous if they are not managed appropriately,” Mr Alegria said.
“All eight cases are currently under investigation.”
He said legislation was introduced last year to help protect the community from dangerous dogs and to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable.
“The legislation targeted dog owners who act irresponsibly by imposing greater fines and penalties, greater seizure and informant powers, and more effective provisions to reduce illegal breeding and increase compliance with mandatory de-sexing,” Mr Alegria said.
He said that so far this year DAS had seized 71 dogs in relation to attacks.
“Dog attacks can be traumatic and distressing for all involved.
“All dog attack complaints should be reported to DAS via Access Canberra on 13 22 81. If an attack is in progress, the community is urged to contact ACT Policing on Emergency Triple Zero.”
Mr Alegria said DAS investigates all attack and harassment complaints and considers all the circumstances leading up to, and during, an incident.
“Where a ranger identifies an attack has occurred, the attacking dog is seized whilst an investigation is undertaken,” he said.
He said dogs found to be at fault might be released on control orders or declared dangerous with strict conditions imposed.
“In more serious circumstances, where there was an unacceptable risk to public safety or other animals, the dog could be euthanized,” Mr Alegria said.
