Tough new dog control laws to come into force soon

28/6/96

Tough new laws to control dogs in Western Australia will come into force in about four weeks after amendments to the Dog Act passed through Parliament last night.

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei said the amendments would give councils new powers to act against irresponsible owners and to impose tight controls on dangerous dogs.

Penalties for all offences under the Dog Act would be substantially increased, with a new $10,000 maximum fine for dog attacks (currently $1,000) and $10,000 and 12 months' gaol for inciting a dog to attack (currently $2,000).

Council officers would also be able to impose $100 on-the-spot fines (currently $40) for offences such as allowing a dog to roam unattended.

Mr Omodei said the new laws would enable councils to declare individual dogs 'dangerous' for offences such as attacking or repeatedly rushing, threatening or chasing people or animals. The declared dog would then have to be muzzled at all times in a public place.

Further restrictions, such as requiring the dog be kept on a leash even in dog exercise areas or be excluded from certain areas could also be imposed, at the council's discretion.

While owners could appeal to the council or the local court, people who failed to comply with a dangerous dog declaration order would be liable for fines of up to $4,000.

Mr Omodei said a dangerous dog declaration would apply indefinitely unless the council became satisfied the dog was safe ie by passing an obedience training course. The muzzle requirement would then be lifted.

The new laws would also give authorised council officers new powers to enter premises to inspect declared dangerous dogs or to seize dogs suspected of committing an attack, although a warrant would be required to enter a dwelling.

A declared dangerous dog involved in an attack could be destroyed by the council after a seven-day appeal period.

Mr Omodei said many dog attacks resulted in horrific injuries and trauma and the dog's owner must be held responsible.

He said owners would be liable for the injuries caused to people or animals or for damage to property occurring in the course of an attack.

Mr Omodei said the new laws would be implemented as soon as the regulations associated with the Act were finalised.

Media contact: Amanda O'Brien (09) 222 9595