Victoria Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh

Tough New Laws Send Clear Message To Dog Owners

Victor P Taffa

Legislation introduced in the Victorian Parliament today will see owners of declared dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dogs serve up to 10 years in jail if their dog kills another person.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was introducing tough new penalties to make owners responsible for the actions of their dog.

“We are introducing new offences into the Crimes Act for failing to prevent a dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dog from endangering a life or causing a death.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The legislation creates new offences, all of which could result in a prison term. The most serious offences apply if the dog in question kills another person and carries the same penalties as dangerous driving causing death.”

“We are sending a clear message to owners of these dogs: if your animal endangers life or kills somebody, you will be held accountable.”

Mr. Walsh said the legislation also introduced a range of other new penalties to compel owners of dangerous and restricted breed dogs to adequately manage their animals.

“The changes increase the level of responsibility under the law for people to properly manage their dogs.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Owners of dangerous or restricted breed dogs who fail to notify their local council when their dog escapes or when they change address now face a doubling of penalties to $2,442.”

“Penalties have been increased to $2,442 for owners who fail to restrain a dangerous or restricted breed dog on their property or $4,885 for dogs outside their property.”

“Owners of restricted breed dogs will also be required to ensure their dogs wear a warning collar when not at their property. This will provide another way for the public to recognise a restricted breed dog when they see one.”

“In addition it will be illegal for people to sell or transfer ownership of restricted breed dogs.”

Mr. Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was acting swiftly to toughen laws following the tragic death of four-year old Ayen Chol last month.

“We have already passed legislation to end the amnesty to register restricted breed dogs. From September 30 any dog identified as an American pitbull terrier that is not registered will be seized and destroyed.” Mr. Walsh said.

“We have gazetted new guidelines for identifying pitbull terriers to prevent dogs escaping regulation because of uncertainty over their breed.”

“A new telephone hotline has also opened to give Victorian an additional mechanism to report dangerous dogs.”

“To date more than 500 calls have been made to the hotline, with 229 calls made to report dangerous dogs.”

People can report a dog they believe is a restricted breed by phoning the dangerous dog hotline on 1300 10 10 80 between the hours of 8am and 6pm. The hotline should not be used in an emergency. If people are in immediate danger they should phone 000.