Queensland proposes ban on certain dog breeds
Queensland is proposing stricter laws in a bid to bring down the number of dog attacks in the state.
The laws would include increased jail time for owners after dog attacks, the potential banning of select breeds and for all dogs to be “effectively controlled” in public.
The Palaszczuk government released a discussion paper on June 23 outlining the options as well as a survey asking Queenslanders to speak out about the issue before the legislation is put together.
A significant number of dog attacks occurred in the state in April, with three children suffering severe injuries in separate incidents that involved several dogs.
The major factor to consider for the paper is whether Queensland should ban animals from the Commonwealth’s restricted breed list, which would make owning them in any capacity illegal.
The restricted dog breeds include the pit bull terrier, dogo argentino, fila brasilerio, japanese tosa and the presa canario.
Currently, those who seek to own these breeds are required to apply for a permit, but that would be withdrawn if the proposed laws are put into place.
The discussion paper says that any changes would include a “grandfather clause” that would allow individuals with a current permit to keep their pet.
The government has also proposed to include imprisonment as a maximum penalty for more serious attacks.
If an attack causes death or grievous bodily harm to a patron, according to present laws, the owner could be fined up to $43,125 but would not face jail time.
“It is proposed to introduce a new criminal offence in the Act that captures conduct of an owner, or responsible person for a dog, who fails to take reasonable steps to effectively control their dog if the dog causes bodily harm, grievous bodily harm or death to a person,” the report states.
“Including a proposed new offence for the most serious dog attacks would send a clear message to owners and people responsible for dogs that fail to take reasonable steps to protect people in the community from harm from serious dog attacks will not be tolerated.”
The move would bring the state into line with the laws in the ACT, NSW, Victoria, NSW and Western Australia.
In NSW, an owner who encourages a dangerous dog to attack another person faces up to five years in prison.
Another proposal is to set up a new requirement for dogs to be “effectively controlled” in public, which would ban off-leash dog walking.
“Effective control could be defined to include a person who is physically able to control the animal, it is on an appropriate leash and supervised or in a temporary enclosure adequate to contain the animal,” the paper reads.
Instant fines would be issued to owners who failed to control their dogs in public and exceptions would be made for designated off-leash areas.
Councils are urging for certain breeds to be banned and for tougher restrictions, according to Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Alison Smith.
“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,” she said.
“For too long, irresponsible dog owners have been able to hold the community and councils to ransom. That needs to change.”
Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner is calling on all Queenslanders to participate in the survey to “have their say” on the proposed reforms.
“Community feedback on this discussion paper will be vital in drafting new legislation,” he said.
“It is so important that we get this right to make sure any new laws meet community expectations.
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