Darren Lodge in court over ‘dangerous menacing’ dogs

A Maryborough man has been convicted of five offences and ordered to pay more than $6000 following multiple complaints and legal action by the Fraser Coast council.

The council has issued a warning after dog owner was prosecuted recently. (Generic pic).

A Maryborough dog owner has been fined thousands of dollars after he was found guilty of multiple breaches of local and state animal management laws.

Darren Lodge was found guilty of five offences after a trial in Maryborough Magistrates Court last month, including failing to maintain a proper enclosure to prevent an animal from wandering or escaping, and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack or cause fear.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said having a pet came with commitments and serious responsibilities.

“Responsible pet ownership is crucial for the safety and wellbeing of our community and dog owners must maintain proper control of their pets at all times to keep themselves, their pets, other members of the community and other animals safe,” he said.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott has warned pet owners to take their responsibilities seriously after the council successfully took action against the owner of a dog that was the subject of repeated complaints.

“Council recently took legal action against a local dog owner following repeated complaints that his two dogs were wandering and displaying dangerous and menacing behaviour.

“The court imposed a single penalty for the five charges of $3500, with the owner also ordered to pay legal costs of $2607.30.

“Council receives hundreds of reports every year of wandering dogs and dog attacks. We take these reports seriously, and we will take legal action when necessary.”

Mr Truscott said the state government had recently updated animal management laws which meant irresponsible owners of dogs that attacked and caused serious injury or death could now face jail terms of up to three years and fines up to $108,000.

“Our message to the community is simple – these types of animal behaviours won’t be tolerated. Your dog is your responsibility, and the consequences of ignoring this can be costly,” he said.

“Dog owners need to ensure their pets do not endanger other animals or people, or roam outside their property.

“If dogs leave the property, they must be on a lead or be supervised in off-leash areas.

“All dogs must be registered with council from 12 weeks of age and be microchipped before 12 weeks of age.

“Making sure your pet is registered and microchipped will help ensure your pet is returned home quickly if it happens to escape the yard.”

‘This is nuts’: Sinkhole swallows part of popular campground

Incredible photos show dingoes feasting on stranded whale calves