The Queensland Government 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.
Queenslanders are being invited to have their say on proposals such as 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.
Submissions on the discussion paper can be submitted until midnight on Thursday, August 24th.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner convened the Government’s animal management taskforce to consider changes to legislation to protect the Queensland community.
“I created the taskforce to review our animal management laws because the Palaszczuk Government takes community health and safety seriously,” Mr Furner said.
“It’s time for Queenslanders to have their say on these proposed reforms, and I’m encouraging everyone to provide feedback on the discussion paper up until Thursday 24 August.
“Community feedback on this discussion paper will be vital in drafting new legislation.
“It is so important that we get this right to make sure any new laws meet community expectations.
“I’d like to thank the taskforce and technical working group for the hard work in contributing to these proposed reforms.”
Other proposed measures that encourage responsible dog ownership include on-the-spot fines for off-leash dogs and an education campaign with a focus on young people who were identified as vulnerable during the taskforce’s work.
The taskforce, made up of Mayors and Councillors from across Queensland, the Local Government Association of Queensland, RSPCA and senior Department of Agriculture and Fisheries officers, was established to undertake a targeted review of the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008.
The proposals to strengthen the current requirements are based on feedback provided by the taskforce and its technical working group.
Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith said a key solution from councils in the consultation paper was to fast-track decisions and appeals on the future of seized dangerous animals.
“This is an opportunity for the community to say enough is enough – that Queensland needs to take tougher actions on irresponsible dog owners, and for there to be swift processes in place after a savage dog attack has happened,” Ms Smith said.
“Queensland councils want safe communities. Councils want dangerous dog breeds to be banned, tougher restrictions on irresponsible owners, and changes that will help reduce savage attacks in our neighbourhoods.
“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.
“For too long, irresponsible dog owners have been able to hold the community and councils to ransom. That needs to change.”
The Strong Dog Laws: Safer Communities discussion paper is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries engagement hub website.
To view the discussion paper and have your say visit https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/dog-laws. To obtain a copy of the discussion paper call 13 25 23.
