Redland City, Queensland – September 4, 2023
In response to the Queensland Government’s comprehensive review of dog laws, the Redland City Council is set to propose a series of recommendations aimed at bolstering the safety and responsibility of dog ownership within the community. At the heart of these suggestions is the need for clear and precise criteria for identifying when a dog should be categorised as dangerous or menacing.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty expressed the Council’s unwavering support for all proposed changes featured in the “Strong Dog Laws: Safer Communities” discussion paper. During today’s General Meeting, Council members endorsed officers’ input on refining these amendments.
Talty emphasised the overarching commitment to safeguarding the community and holding irresponsible dog owners accountable for their dogs’ actions. She stressed the importance of establishing consistent and transparent guidelines to prevent dog attacks.
“While most dog owners responsibly care for their pets, reports of serious dog attacks persist across the state,” noted Cr Talty. “We must have clear and uniform standards to prevent such incidents proactively. This review allows us to enhance dog regulation, particularly concerning dangerous dogs, to align with community expectations.”
In light of this, the Council has called for a comprehensive review of the State Government’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 to ensure it remains aligned with evolving needs.
Key recommendations from the Redland City Council include:
- More explicit Criteria for Identifying Dangerous or Menacing Dogs: The Council advocates for well-defined criteria to determine when a dog should be categorised as dangerous or menacing.
- Incorporating Dog Obedience Training and Desexing in Community Education Campaigns: The benefits of dog obedience training and desexing should be prominently featured in statewide community education campaigns.
- Exploration of Initiatives to Restrict or Disqualify Dog Ownership: The State Government is encouraged to explore initiatives that limit or disqualify dog ownership, thereby reducing the risk posed by owners who are unwilling or unable to control their dogs.
- Prioritising External Appeals for Destruction Orders: The Council suggests that the State Government prioritise external appeals when a destruction order is issued for a dog under the care of the local government.
Cr Talty also highlighted a positive trend in Redlands Coast, where reports on dog attacks and aggressive dogs have steadily decreased over the past four years. In the 12 months leading up to June 30, 2023, the Council received 322 such reports, a testament to the effectiveness of existing regulations and responsible dog ownership. Among the city’s more than 30,000 registered dogs, only 38 are currently classified as menacing dogs, and 52 as dangerous dogs.
The Redland City Council’s proactive recommendations aim to enhance further the safety and well-being of its residents and their canine companions as the community continues to evolve its approach to responsible dog ownership and regulation.
