The Queensland Government plans to ban five dog breeds and impose prison terms for the owners of dangerous dogs under new laws being considered by the state.
It comes after a spate of recent dog attacks in the state.
First, why’s it an issue?
About 100,000 dog bites occur in Australia every year, leaving around 3% of victims hospitalised.
In Queensland, three children were significantly injured in three separate dog attacks during one week in April.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called on a taskforce to consider strengthening dog laws following the attacks.
Queensland dog breeds ban
The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on five dog breeds:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Currently, owning these dogs is allowed with an approved council permit. Instead, only owners with existing permits could be allowed to have one of these dogs under the proposal.
Prison sentences
Under the proposed new penalties, owners could face prison sentences if their dog causes severe harm or death during an attack.
These laws would bring Queensland in line with the other Australian states, which each carry prison sentences for serious dog attacks.
Further details
Owners would also be formally expected to physically control and supervise their dogs in public areas, with on-the-spot council fines for those who fail to do so.
RSPCA Queensland said they “welcome” the suggested changes to the law. They would be submitting their own feedback on the proposals during the feedback period.
Public feedback closes in August.
