A new plan to encourage the ACT’s dog owners to be responsible and help reduce dog attacks has been unveiled by the Minister for City Services, Chris Steel.
Mr Steel said dog owners would also benefit from bins and bag dispensers at key dog walking areas.
He said the Canberra Model of Dog Management would lead to a safer environment not only for dog owners, but also the wider the community with a range of reforms that would make the ACT an international leader in dog management.
He said the initiatives included:
*Requiring annual registration of dogs (no extra fee to apply);
* Opportunities for free microchipping and registration;
* Working with the RSPCA on a discounted de-sexing program;
* Education programs on bite prevention; and
* A new responsible pet ownership campaign.
Mr Steel also foreshadowed the rollout of the Yellow Dog campaign, meaning dogs that needed space for whatever reason, such as illness or anxiety, could be easily identified by yellow merchandise.
“We know there are many dog owners that are doing the right thing, but there are others that are putting the community and other dogs at risk through their lack of care,” Mr Steel said.
“We’re changing the rules to make it clear: If your dog is on a street or a footpath area it must be on a leash, or you will be fined. Only certain ovals and parks will be off-leash and these will be clearly signposted.”
He said an annual registration scheme was also an important foundation for reducing dog attacks and improving community safety that had proven successful in other jurisdictions.
