Jail time, massive fines, statewide bans: What’s on the cards for dangerous dogs in Qld

Queensland agricultural minister has revealed the harsher penalties being considered for dog owners whose pets kill or injure, following a space of recent attacks.

Jail time could be on the cards for dangerous dog owners whose pets kill or injure, with Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner confirming harsher penalties would be considered following a spate of recent animal attacks.

Mr Furner convened an urgent meeting of the dangerous dog taskforce at parliament on Wednesday, along with representatives from local government, to discuss crucial changes to dangerous animal laws.

He said the exact penalties would be reviewed, but it was agreed they needed to be boosted above the current maximum fine - which sits at $42,000 - though exactly how much would not be decided until after community consultation.

“Currently there is legislation in both NSW and Victoria that provides jail time for persons that have caused death as a result of their irresponsible behaviour with their dogs on a person,” he said.

“There’s an opportunity to address that, and now is the time to do that.”

A discussion paper would now be prepared for community consultation, with a further meeting of the taskforce to be held in late May.

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Alison Smith said there was not a moment to lose on “this very serious issue”.

“Councils have been working very hard with the state government to look for proposals that will enhance and improve community safety – including tougher penalties across a sliding scale,” she said.

“Everything from the smallest offence to the most serious offence.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was horrified by the spate of vicious dog attacks, where three young children suffered horrendous injuries in the south east and other attacks elsewhere in the state.

“Enough is enough. The onus is on dog owners. They have a duty of care,” she said.

“They must accept responsibility for their pets and their pets’ behaviour. I have also been sickened by reports of smaller dogs being attacked and often killed by larger animals whilst out walking with their owners.

“We should all feel safe in our own yards or out on the streets. It is time to get tougher.”

The Queensland government wants to put harsher penalties in place for owners of dogs who kill or injure others. Picture: iStock

Ms Palaszczuk last week asked Mr Furner to urgently reconvene the taskforce.

“The people of Queensland are concerned. I hear, understand and share their concerns,” she said.

“They want these attacks to stop, and so do I.”

A review into the animal management act was first launched last year.

“While the state government makes the laws, it is local governments who play a vital role in not only administering the local laws in relation to dogs but also have insight into what is occurring in their local communities,” Mr Furner said.

“The terrible attacks in the last two weeks again highlight the need for change.

“While most dog owners do the right thing, there are people who do not. It is hoped that the proposed changes that come from the task force will assist council in dealing with dogs.”