Irresponsible dog owners could face jail time under a series of tougher measures introduced by the Queensland government to reduce dog attacks.
On Sunday, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner released a discussion paper and called on Queenslanders to have a say in the proposed changes.
These include banning certain breeds of dogs, increasing penalties including imprisonment for serious offenses, and requiring all dogs to be “effectively controlled” in public.
He said: “It is time for Queenslanders to have their say on these proposed reforms and I encourage everyone to provide feedback on the discussion.
“Most dog owners in Queensland fulfill their responsibilities, however, there continue to be some heartbreaking cases of serious dog attacks.
“We urge all animal owners to ensure their pets do not pose a danger to the community.”
The Queensland government is being criticized for taking too long to review dangerous dog legislation. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is set to reconvene a task force after mayors across the state deemed the existing law outdated. A review of the laws is expected to be completed in the coming months, but the Prime Minister says tougher sanctions are needed on owners to prevent further attacks.
The discussion paper comes after serious dog attacks increased in the state and noted that around 100,000 dog bites are reported in Australia each year.
About 80 percent of these occur at home, with children three times more likely to be hospitalized than adults.
Proposed changes include creating a new offense aimed at people whose failure to control their dogs results in injury or death, with jail time reserved for serious offenders.
Queensland is the only Australian state that does not currently impose a prison sentence for dog attacks.
It also proposes banning and removing licensing options for breeds including the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, pit bull terrier and Presa Canario.
The discussion document notes that this would be “grandfathering” to allow existing dogs to be exempt from the ban.
Additionally, the proposal is a statewide requirement for dogs to be effectively controlled in public, enforceable on-site fines, and remove rules around euthanizing dangerous dogs. dangerous.
Queensland Local Government Association chief executive Alison Smith said the changes would help reduce barbaric attacks in neighboring areas.
“For too long, irresponsible dog owners have been able to ransom communities and councils. That needs to change,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for the community to say enough is enough – that Queensland needs to take tougher action against irresponsible dog owners, and to have swift processes in place after a dog attack. atrocities happen.”
Queenslanders will have until 24 August to submit feedback on the proposed changes.
