Page 916 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 30 March 1993
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Mr Wood: You have said that about six times but you have not had any depth or anything.
MR HUMPHRIES: I know that you are breaking your neck to talk about dogs, Mr Wood, and you will have a chance very soon, but I maintain that this motion should be passed. I hope that the standard we try to set today will be a standard to which Ministers adhere in future, irrespective of whether the motion passes or not.
Question resolved in the negative.
DOG ATTACKS
Discussion of Matter of Public Importance
MADAM SPEAKER: I have received letters from Ms Ellis and Mr Stevenson proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by Ms Ellis be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The need for ACT citizens to be free from attack, or fear of attack, from dogs.
MS ELLIS (4.36): Madam Speaker, it is with some regret that I rise to speak today on the important matter of dog control and the right of all ACT citizens to be free from attack and the fear of attack by dogs. Last Friday, Madam Speaker, a young girl was viciously attacked by two dogs in Kambah. The girl is still in hospital, I understand, undergoing treatment, and I gather that the incident could have been a lot worse without the quick actions of some nearby residents. Since the incident I have been told of several other similar incidents which have occurred throughout Canberra over a long period.
I simply do not accept that fear of attack from dogs is something that all residents of the ACT have to put up with. The right of our community to walk safely through their streets and parks is fundamental to the quality of life we enjoy in Canberra. Last year, Madam Speaker, this Government increased penalties and tightened the legislation pertaining to dog control. I think that we all thought, or at least hoped, that this would severely reduce the incidence of dog attack and the number of stray and unregistered dogs. Despite this increase, however, dog attacks are continuing and still less than half of Canberra's dog owners have registered their dogs. Unfortunately, it appears that these dog control laws are not enough and I understand that the responsible Minister, Mr Wood, will be examining, as a matter of urgency, further ways to prevent incidents of this kind.
Madam Speaker, it distresses me that this review is necessary. As a dog owner myself, I find it intolerable that responsible and loving dog owners could possibly suffer due to the irresponsible and, in some cases, cruel actions of a minority of dog owners. Many dogs become part of a family. Many dogs provide a source of comfort and companionship to the sick and elderly, and I believe that they have a legitimate role in our lives.
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