Calls for $4k fines for pet owners who don’t walk their dogs

It’s a move that fierce animal advocate wants to see introduced Australia-wide, with severe fines for pet owners who don’t obey.

A major animal welfare group has called for dog owners who don’t take their dogs for walks, or allow them opportunities for adequate exercise to be fined $4000.

Currently it is only in play for ACT residents, however there are calls for the rule to be put in place in every state and territory.

Rebecca Linigen, National Director at FOUR PAWS said she hopes other states and territories will “quickly follow suit”.

“Providing our beloved companions with adequate care shouldn’t need to be governed by law,” she told the Daily Mail.

“However, if this law does create a positive impact on animal welfare, and preventing animal neglect, then it’s something we should all support.”

If the laws are implemented, not walking your dog could have very costly consequences. Picture: iStock.

Ms Linigen also a lack of socialisation that is preventable by visits to the dog park or interactions on walks, can also lead to emotional damage.

“It can make a dog fearful, aggressive and hostile towards other dogs and people,” she said.

Under the ACT’s Animal Welfare Act, section 6E states that a failure to exercise a dog, or confining a dog in a space for 24 continuous hours is liable to a maximum $4000 fine.

This, however, does not apply to dogs which are kept in residences with yards or spaces where they are able to move freely.

Amendments made to the bill from 2020, also meant owners could be fined if they failed to offer their pets proper access to food, water and shelter, or if their pets develop an injury, pain or death due to a failure in grooming or maintenance.

In Australia, laws related to animal welfare are legislated by state governments.

In the last few years, renters have been given more rights when it comes to pet ownership. In March 2020, new laws meant Victorian landlords could no longer “unreasonably refuse” tenants to keep pets.

A similar law is also being considered for Queensland, in which a landlord would need “reasonable grounds” to refuse a tenant the ownership of a pet. This could include reasons like if owning a pet could breach apartment strata by-laws or if the property is unsuitable for an animal.

Originally published as Calls for $4k fines for pet owners who don’t walk their dogs