Queensland’s new dangerous dog laws don’t have enough bite, Townsville locals warn

Townsville residents say proposed tough new laws for dangerous dogs don’t go far enough, as one man recounts the harrowing moment he was almost “ripped to shreds.” WATCH THE VIDEO

Nome resident Christian Petersen with his 6-year-old Labrador, Maddie, is concerned with the aggressive dogs in his neighbourhood. Picture: Shae Beplate.

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Townsville residents warn that proposed tough new laws for dangerous dogs don’t go far enough, as one pet owner recounts the harrowing moment he was almost “ripped to shreds”.

As the clock ticks down to the August 24 deadline for public consultation on the state’s strict new dog regulations, Townsville locals are making their voices heard.

The reforms include potential jail time for owners after serious dog attacks, bringing Queensland into line with the rest of the country.

The proposed changes also introduce a statewide mandate for all dogs to be “effectively controlled” in public spaces and a ban on certain dog breeds, including the likes of American pit bulls, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario.

Nome resident Christian Petersen said he’s worried the reforms don’t go far enough and that the bans will be impossible to police with mixed breeding.

Mr Petersen’s concerns stem from a bone-chilling encounter in his own backyard, where a pack of “aggressive” dogs busted through his fence last month.

“They would have ripped me to shreds if I hadn’t been behind the pool fence at the time,” he said.

“It’s going to happen again. It’s only a matter of time.

“I complained to council, but I feel like they really won’t do anything until someone’s actually attacked, which is too late, in my opinion.”

Council said they were investigating the matter and ensured temporary measures were in place to ensure the dogs involved were adequately enclosed.

With more than 350 dog attacks reported in Townsville last year, Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said it was an issue of great concern for him.

He said he was a member of the task force that penned a report which triggered the dog reforms and was disappointed to see the new laws didn’t give council workers powers to enter properties when it comes to matters of public safety.

“We had an attack where a dog got out and chased another little dog a man was walking,” he said.

“He held the dog above his head to try and get away from the thing jumping up, and it basically took a big chunk out of his triceps.

Townsville Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said dog attacks in the community were an issue of great concern for him. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“When our officers arrived, the dog had already gone back into its yard. Our officers are not allowed to make entry into that yard without a court order.

“They asked the owner if they could check the dog had been secured for public safety, and he said no.”

He said councils were also facing major issues with Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal delays, and there were some situations where ratepayers had to foot the bills to care for dangerous dogs while waiting through appeals for more than two years.

“My preference is all dangerous dogs should be taken out of society regardless,” Cr Molachino said.

“Once you are declared dangerous, and you bite someone, especially a human, I don’t believe that should be in the society anymore.”

Have your say on the new dog laws here: https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/dog-laws

Originally published as Queensland’s new dangerous dog laws don’t have enough bite, Townsville locals warn