Fines for owners of aggressive dogs

Brisbane City Council started a push last week to fine dog owners for rushing attacks and offences that instilled fear, but did not cause physical injury.

Brisbane council's Krista Adams said under current regulations, councils had no power to fine pet owners for attacks deemed less serious and were forced to prosecute through a costly court process.

She said it meant owners of aggressive dogs often escaped prosecution for less serious attacks.

But it seems every dog has its day in Redland City, where officers have fined owners of aggressive dogs under the State Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

A council spokesman said officers investigated all dog attacks and instances when a dog has acted aggressively, in accordance with the state Act.

"This Act already allows council to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute if a dog has caused fear to a person or animal, for example 'rushing' type offence," he said.

"The Act also contains additional provisions, such as declaring a dog a 'regulated dog', 'menacing' or 'dangerous'."

Fines, set by the state government, vary depending on the offence, but under state regulations one "penalty unit" is $113.85.

Council can fine dog owners up to a maximum of 20 penalty units, after that the matter must be referred to a court.

A magistrate can fine a dog owner the maximum of 300 penalty units, or $3390, if the dog attack causes the death or grievous bodily harm of a person or animal.

Between July 1 last year and June 30 this year, officers issued 287 animal-related infringement notices across the city.

Council asked dog owners to keep their dogs in a secure yard or on a lead when in public.

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