Page 5223 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 29 November 2017
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In 2014 Canberra was rated the most pet-friendly city in Australia by Pet Positives. Keeping a dog also provides many health and social benefits and is an important part of the Australian lifestyle. We are all aware that dogs, regardless of their breed, can be unpredictable and have the capacity to be aggressive and dangerous if they are not managed appropriately and responsibly. There is certainly a role for dog owners in ensuring that their pets are managed appropriately.
The ACT government amendments will bring about immediate improvements to the regulatory framework for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs while ensuring better animal welfare outcomes and recognising the benefits that responsible dog ownership can bring.
There are two key features of the proposed new framework: firstly, the introduction of three new classes of dog attacks with proportionate powers to respond and act by the registrar for domestic animals. This is consistent with the opposition’s bill and will give the registrar the power to act quickly to euthanase a dog by reducing lengthy appeal rights in the most extreme circumstances—for example, where a dog has killed a person or is aggressive and unsafe to deal with. This also supports better animal welfare outcomes by reducing the period of time that a dog, which is clearly a dangerous dog and which has no prospect of being released, is impounded before being euthanased.
Secondly, the new framework will result in a three-tier system for managing dogs. This will include the introduction of a dog control order as an intermediate action to dealing with dogs that are not dangerous but show early warning signs or have caused a minor injury. This brings Canberra into line with best practice around the world. Domestic animal services will be able to issue a nuisance notice, a control order or a dangerous dog licence in dealing with a range of dog incidents. These measures will be supported by increased compliance and enforcement powers and greater penalties for irresponsible dog owners.
The government amendments will also introduce a general public safety consideration in how the registrar for domestic animal services exercises discretion in dealing with dogs that could be dangerous. For example, the registrar must consider the safety of the public in deciding whether or not to release a dangerous dog under conditions. There will also be greater responsibilities and penalties on holders of a dangerous dog licence so that the owners of the dog understand and take seriously their responsibilities.
Ownership bans and ownership cancellations will be introduced for irresponsible owners or owners in breach of the act or animal welfare laws. This is a proactive approach to preventing people who are unable to demonstrate responsible dog management, care or control from owning or continuing to own a dog. It has the benefit of not only intervening early to prevent a dog from being in an environment that is likely to contribute to it being dangerous but also preventing dog abuse and neglect.
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