Community members can have their say on proposed measures to help crack down on irresponsible dog owners through the Queensland Government’s Strong Dog Laws: Safer Communities discussion paper.
Bundaberg residents are invited to share their opinion on proposals such as a new offence with potential jail time for serious dog attacks, a standardised state-wide requirement for all dogs to be effectively controlled in public places and the banning of restricted dog breeds.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner convened the Queensland’s animal management taskforce to consider changes to legislation to protect the Queensland community.
The taskforce is made up of local governments, the Local Government Association of Queensland, RSPCA and senior Department of Agriculture and Fisheries officers, and it was established to undertake a targeted review of the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008.
Mr Furner said the taskforce to review animal management laws was established to ensure the health and safety of Queensland communities.
The proposed measures are to encourage responsible dog ownership and 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.
Local governments are the authorities within their communities but are guided by the legislation set by State Government.
“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,” Mr Furner said.
“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.”
The proposals will help to strengthen the current requirements and 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 website, with the consultation period open until Thursday 24 August.
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