Dog owners will feel the bite of increased fines from this month — some have quadrupled
DOG owners face increased fines under new rules that aim to crack down on irresponsible ownership.
DOG owners will feel the bite of significantly increased fines that have, in some cases, almost quadrupled from this month.
The tougher penalties have been introduced ahead of new industry standards for breeders and sellers, which stipulate minimum welfare conditions, coming into force on August 1.
Councils also will be given greater powers to investigate and prosecute offences, including the ability to seize evidence and compel owners to provide personal details, to address the problem of dog attacks.
South Australia’s Dog and Cat Management Board Secretary Andrew Lamb said the new fees, established after a comprehensive community consultation process, represents the issues that most concern pet owners.
“The fees had not gone up in 20 years so inflation had eaten into the penalties,” Mr Lamb said.
“Therefore the deterrent effect had been eaten away.”
The new fees for offence include:
ALLOWING a dog to harass, attack or chase another person or animal — $210 to $315 and $750 for prescribed breeds;
DOG wandering at large — $80 ($210 prescribed breeds) to $210 ($750 prescribed breeds);
EXCESSIVE dog barking — $105 to $315;
FAILURE to register your dog — $80 ($210 prescribed breeds) to $170 ($750 prescribed breeds)
TRANSPORTING unrestrained dogs on the tray of vehicles $105 to $210 and
FAILING to pick up dog poo immediately — $55 to $210.
The five prescribed breeds in South Australia are American pit bull terrier, fila braziliero, Japanese tosa, dog argentinia and presa canario.
“I think by and large most pet owners are very responsible. The laws are targeting people not doing the right thing,” Mr Lamb said.
“Anecdotally, dog barking is up there in the top of complaints with wandering dogs.”
He said not picking up after a dog was also a consistent gripe.
Enfield dog owner Leah Watts, 27, who regularly takes her four-year-old dalmatian Delilah to the North Adelaide dog park, welcomed the new dog fees.
“I think it could set a light bulb off in some people’s heads,” Ms Watts said.
Ms Watts also supports new rules that will create greater reporting requirements and a code of practice for dog breeders.
“You get people that just use their dogs as breeding machines,” she said.
Mr Lamb said new rules, and a code of practice, applicable from August, will help identify puppy farms and unethical breeders.
“Puppy farms will need to improve their standards or face the legal consequences that could include prison,” he said.