Page 5014 - Week 15 - Thursday, 15 December 2005
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declared dangerous under equivalent state law. Once a dog is declared dangerous, a person may only keep the dog if granted a dangerous dog licence. The Act imposes strict conditions on the granting and policing of dangerous dog licences and penalties apply for breach of conditions. For example, a $5000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both, if a person disqualified from keeping a dangerous dog reapplies for a licence.
The experience of Domestic Animals Services (DAS) staff is that dangerous dog attacks are not limited to particular dog breeds.
The Department of Urban Services has proposed a review of the Domestic Animals Act 2000, which will comprehensively consider issues surrounding dog ownership.
(2) See (1).
From 12 November 2005 DAS introduced new infringement notice penalties for:
• not controlling a dangerous dog in a public place;
• not muzzling a dangerous dog in a public place;
• not keeping a dangerous dog in accordance with a license;
• keepers or carers allowing dog harassments or attacks to take place; and
• not providing a dog for inspection suspected of attack or harassment.
DAS has also instituted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to dog attacks over the past two years. In 2001-02 there were 247 dog attacks reported to DAS of which 57% resulted in a dog seizure. This financial year 142 dog attacks have been reported to DAS resulting in 133 dogs being seized. This means 93% of reported attacks have resulted in a dog seizure. All seized dogs are investigated to ensure public safety. Where ongoing public safety cannot be guaranteed, DAS will seek destruction of the dog under the provisions of the Act.
(3) The Government will be reviewing the penalties which apply, including for dangerous dog offences, in line with its comprehensive review of the Domestic Animals Act 2000.
Human rights—same sex unions
(Question No 807)
Mr Stefaniak asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 24 November 2005:
When will the Government issue its response to the discussion paper and submissions received from the public on the issue of same sex unions.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
The Government announced its response to the discussion paper and submissions received from the public on the issue of same sex unions on Friday 2 December 2005.
Sport and recreation—ovals
(Question No 809)
Mr Stefaniak asked the Minister for Urban Services, upon notice, on 24 November 2005:
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