NEW regulations in NSW governing menacing dogs have been welcomed by Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams.
The new rules include allowing councils to require owners to muzzle their dogs in public, have them on a leash, under the control of a person over 18 years and ensure they are de-sexed.
“Estimates show that more than 36 per cent of households own a dog and these new regulations send a very clear message that owning a dog comes with some very real responsibilities, particularly when it comes to protecting the community,” Mrs Williams said.
“The State Government conducted extensive community consultation, receiving in excess of 5300 submissions through the companion animals and dangerous dogs taskforce.
“We have listened to the concerns of the community and are implementing a package of new measures about dangerous and threatening dogs in our community,” Mrs Williams said.
Other key measures include:
– Implementing stronger penalties, including maximum jail terms for owners whose dogs have been involved in an attack, increasing to a maximum five years for owners whose dogs have attacks after the owner has failed to comply with a menacing, dangerous, or restricted dog control requirement by council.
– Enabling councils to immediately seize an unmicrochipped dog for which notice of intention has been issued to declare the dog as menacing, dangerous, or restricted.
– The government is implementing stronger fines of up to $77,000 and jail terms of up to five years for owners whose dogs have been involved in serious attacks and providing councils with more options to deal with these dogs and their owners.
