Page 4061 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 24 October 1990
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
neighbours and problems such as health, smell and noise nuisance caused by an excessive number of dogs on a suburban block. This proposal, I might add, is supported by the Canberra Kennel Association.
Dogs will have to be under effective control at all times. Effective means of confining or restraining a dog to premises will be compulsory. The problem of dogs roaming freely and causing a nuisance, menacing or attacking, is a matter of great community concern. It will be compulsory for dogs to be on a lead when in public places. Exercise areas will be designated by signs as places where dogs can exercise off a leash. However, the dog will still need to be responsive to the commands of a competent person in order to ensure effective control.
Mr Deputy Speaker, responsible dog owners will have access to a discount registration fee which recognises the benefits of obedience training. This will be available to owners whose dogs can demonstrate obedience to an acceptable level with a Canberra Kennel Association affiliated club or the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club. This benefits responsible dog owners. I think that is something which we really need to get into the community - the problem of being a responsible owner of a dog rather than just an owner of a dog that is allowed to run free. A discount is already available to owners of desexed dogs. The concessional rate for dogs who have completed obedience training is proposed to be the same as that for a desexed dog.
Free registration will only be available to recipients of categories of aged, invalid and repatriation pensions and to owners of guide, sight and hearing animals. This provision has the effect of removing the waiver for unemployed people introduced in 1984 and recognises that employment status is not a long-term category of pension for most recipients. This is consistent with the practice followed by the Queanbeyan City Council and other areas throughout New South Wales in applying the New South Wales Dog Act.
On-the-spot infringement notices for minor offences will be introduced, with a wide range of inspectors authorised to issue notices. This will improve the administration of the Act by making owners more responsible for their actions and for those of their dog, of course, by imposing a penalty at the time of the offence - an on-the-spot fine. This penalty will be set below the statutory limit. If paid immediately it would remove the need for court action, simplifying the administrative process and reducing costs of dealing with minor offenders. It would also make more effective use of a wide range of officials to enforce the laws.
Increased penalties will be introduced for serious offences such as dog attacks and hindering officials. The owners of offending dogs must bear the cost of their dog's actions,
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .