Revealed: Sunshine Coast’s $61k plan to inspect dangerous dogs

Sunshine Coast’s 135 regulated dog owners face mandatory home inspections under a proposed $61,560 council program aimed at preventing incidents before they occur.

Sunshine Coast councillors will consider a proposal for a $61,000 program for regulated dogs at its meeting later this week.

Sunshine Coast councillors will consider a proposal for a $61,000 program for regulated dogs at its meeting later this week.

The systematic inspection program will monitor whether owners are complying with mandatory policies for regulated dogs under theAnimal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. 

The year-long $61,560 program is set to start on November 14 and allows “authorised persons the power to enter private premises to check compliance requirements” according to a council document.

This includes tracking appropriate signage, muzzle use, desexing when necessary, containment and more.

There are currently 135 regulated dogs on the coast, making the average cost of the yearly program $456 per dog.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said there were 54,000 dogs registered on the coast, so regulated dogs made up just 0.25 per cent of the coast’s total dog population.

The inspections reduced “the risk posed by these animals”, the council document stated.

The program would lead to more regular inspections as, without them, the council has to wait for an incident to be reported to investigate.

The $61,560 program will be funded by the regulated dog registration fees, which will total to $79,496 between 2025-26.

These registration fees account for regulated dog collars, signage, admin, tags, and the inspection program, equalling to $588 per regulated dog.

Inspections are said to be undertaken at properties following the anniversary of the dog’s declaration.

The initiative will allow for the operation to be more spread out, leading to less impact on daily life.

It is also said that officers can provide guidance to owners through the program on the best ways to ensure they are meeting requirements.

Councillors will consider the proposal at its upcoming meeting on September 18.