Council endorses recommendations to Queensland Government dog laws review

Redland City Council will make a number of recommendations in response to the Queensland Government’s review of dog laws, including the need for clear criteria for when a dog should be declared dangerous or menacing

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said Council supported all changes proposed in the Strong dog laws: Safer communities discussion paper and, at today’s General Meeting, endorsed officers’ feedback on how the amendments could be refined.

“The proposed amendments in the discussion paper reflect a commitment to ensuring our community is safe and holding irresponsible dog owners accountable for their actions and that of their dogs,” Cr Talty said.

“Owning a dog comes with responsibilities and most dog owners do the right thing, however there continue to be reports of serious dog attacks across the state.

“It is important there are clear and consistent guidelines in place to help prevent dog attacks from happening.

“This review gives us the opportunity to ensure we have better regulation in respect to dangerous dogs to meet the expectations of our community.

“For this reason, Council has called for an additional full review of the State Government’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 to ensure it meets current and emerging needs.”

Among Council’s recommendations are:

Clearer criteria for determining when a dog should be regulated as dangerous or menacing. That the benefits of dog obedience training and desexing be included in key messages in statewide community education campaigns. That the State Government investigates initiatives to restrict or disqualify dog ownership, to lower the risk of incidents posed by owners who are unwilling to control their dogs. That the State Government advocates for opportunities to prioritise external appeals on a destruction order when a dog is in the care of the local government.

Cr Talty said the number of reports relating to dog attacks and aggressive dogs on Redlands Coast had steadily decreased over the past four years, with 322 reports received in the 12 months to 30 June 2023.

“Of more than 30,000 registered dogs in the city, currently 38 are declared menacing dogs and 52 are declared dangerous dogs,” she said.

Redland City Council’s submission will be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.