Page 5602 - Week 17 - Thursday, 5 December 1991
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Submissions were received from interested bodies such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Canberra Kennel Association. There is support for proposals to provide for greater control of dogs and better enforcement measures so as to ensure acceptable behaviour from dogs and their owners.
The Bill provides for more stringent controls, including requiring registration of dogs from three months of age instead of six months, and by the introduction of a licence to keep more than three dogs at a household. In addition, the Bill clearly defines the requirement to keep a dog securely contained on private property and under control by lead in a public place.
It also provides for designated exercise areas where a dog can be exercised if it is responsive to a competent person. The designated exercise areas will be declared by notice published in the Gazette.
Minor offences such as taking a dog within 10 metres of a designated swimming area or lake currently attract a moderate fine but require the full process of a court of law to enforce. We do not have the resources, nor do the courts have the capacity, to prosecute all such offences. The introduction of on-the-spot infringement notices will significantly streamline the process. Increased penalties are proposed for serious offences such as dog attacks, including those attacks in which a person is in fear of a dog but not actually bitten. A new offence for a dog attacking wildlife is included in the Bill.
Turning to the broader issue of registration fees for dogs, which are determined under the Dog Control Act 1975, a number of changes will be introduced to encourage responsible dog ownership. These changes will complement the provisions of the Bill. A discount registration fee will be available to owners whose dogs have demonstrated an acceptable standard of obedience through a club, such as the Companion Dog Club. The discount registration fee will also be made available to dogs registered with the Canberra Kennel Association or its affiliates and the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club. These organisations promote responsible ownership.
In addition, a seniors card holder owning a dog is entitled to the discounted registration fee. It is recognised that dogs play a valuable role in providing interest and companionship for the elderly. Where a dog falls into two or more of the categories attracting a discount registration fee, the registration fee will be lowered to reflect that fact.
The provisions of this Bill are consistent with the most recently updated legislation in the various jurisdictions around Australia. Authorised persons from other areas of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service will be utilised to provide additional resources for administration of the Act.
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