Page 3703 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 September 2019

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Mr Steel: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) The legislation only came into effect in December 2017. Since this time there have been 90 dogs released on Control Orders.

(2) Control Order conditions differ on a case by case basis. For example – in the case of a dog escaping repairs to fencing would be required. Conditions may include the following:

• The dog must be kept in a yard that is enclosed by a secure fence that is in good repair and structurally sound; and has no gaps or holes in or under it that are large enough to allow the dog to escape.

• Any gate or door to a yard must be spring-latched and self-closing; be padlocked when the keeper is not in the yard; be in good repair and structurally sound and not have any gaps or holes in or under it large enough to allow the dog to escape through.

• The fencing at the property can be inspected by the Rangers from DAS at any time.

• If the dog leaves the premises at which it is kept, it must only be in the care of the keeper or carer and must always be restrained by a leash and muzzle and be under the effective control of the keeper.

• If the dog is left under the care of anyone other than the owner, either at the property, or at any other location, the owner must ensure to make the carer fully aware of all responsibilities and requirements under these conditions.

(3) No. There is only one type of Control Order under the Act. However, the Registrar can impose additional conditions specific to the incident and need to control the dog.

(4) A Control Order does not expire and must be revoked by the Registrar. Evidence and behavioural assessments are required to consider a revocation of a Control Order.

(5) Since Control Orders were implemented, no order has been revoked.

(6) DAS has investigated reports of Control Order breaches five times since December 2017.

(7) There are multiple penalties for breaching a Control Order, depending on the severity of the breach:

• infringement Notices may be issued up to $500;

• the dog may be seized; or

• the dog can be declared dangerous/euthanised.

(a) Of the five breaches reported one infringement has been issued and two dogs have been euthanised. The other two are currently under investigation

(b) See above.

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