There could be hefty on-the-spot fines for owners of dangerous dogs that attack humans under a tough new proposal by the state government.
Following a spate of horrific attacks in recent months, the Daily Telegraph reports there will be changes to the Animal Companion Act due later this year, giving local councils more power to hand out huge fines.
While fines of up to $550 can currently be handed out on the spot to owners of dogs that attack humans, that figure will reportedly increase to $1320 if the proposal is pushed through.
Meanwhile, anyone found to be involved with controlling, selling or buying dangerous dogs could see fines increase from $1320 to $1760.
“Increased on-the-spot fines for dog attacks are part of the government’s efforts to continue to reduce incidents and increase safety for people and animals,” local government minister Gabrielle Upton told the publication.
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“Increased penalties will help to change behaviours as a high proportion of attacks occur when dogs are not under the control of the owner or another competent person.”
It comes after a series of horrifying dog attacks recently. Twelve-month-old Kamillah Jones was killed by a rottweiler in March, while she was being pushed around in a pram by her mum in a street in Inverell, northern NSW. The incident was investigated by police, but no-one has reportedly been charged yet.
Just a day later, a 10-year-old Melbourne girl was rescued by her neighbour Jimmy Baird after being viciously attacked by what is believed to be a Bullmastiff, while her parents were out. He told 3AW of the rescue at the time: “It was out of control, the dog was going berserk. We distracted the dog while we got the girl out.”
The child suffered serious injuries, and was treated in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The dog was later put down.
Currently, laws vary between states. Brisbane City Council declares a dog dangerous if it “has seriously attacked a person or another animal, has acted in a way that caused fear to a person or another animal or was declared dangerous by another local government”.
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In QLD, a dog that is declared restricted or menacing must wear a disc specifying so around its collar, while the owner must put up warning sign by the entrance to their property. The dog must “always be muzzled and on leash when in public and handled by a capable adult”, and “confined in an enclosure that complies with set regulations”.
Once declared dangerous, the council says “you will be given certain conditions to follow,” which may vary from case to case.
According to government figures, there were 1196 dog attacks reported to NSW local councils from July-September 2017.