State government set to increase fines for dog owners if their pet attacks another animal or person

After the death of Ruby – a 10-year-old golden retriever – following two vicious attacks in one month, the government is pushing for harsh law changes.

The state government has disclosed intentions of calling for tougher penalties on pets that harm another animal or person following the death of Ruby, a beloved golden retriever.

Ruby, a 10-year-old golden retriever that was the victim of two vicious attacks in one month, has coincided with South Australia’s review period for their Dog and Cat Management Plan. This review period allows councils to identify any community concerns around pets and propose solutions.

Deputy Premier Susan Close said her intentions for the review would be to ensure “there are tougher financial penalties for pets harming other animals or people.”

Deputy Premier Susan Close. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“We’ll be going out to consultation in the next few weeks...to increase penalties for dogs that attack other dogs or people,” Ms Close said.

“The lowest amount is an expiation fee of only $315 – it sounds like the circumstances where Ruby was killed would only attract a $315 expiation fee and that’s not good enough.

“There are higher fees if you go to court. They’re around the $2500 amount. We’d like to see that really move up to around $10,000 and then somewhere back from that as an expiation fee.”

Ms Close said the aim of creating a harsher punishment is for pet owners to be extra cautious over their pet’s behaviour.

“The big issue here is that we need to tell people that they have to be in control of their dogs,” she said.

“I want to make sure those basic fees, those fines, are high enough to really make a big deterrent against having a dog on the loose and being able to attack others.”

Additionally, Ms Close advised councils to be “more willing to take people” to court and ask for a destruction order on their dog.

Ruby’s dog owner June Deane said hearing Ms Close’s push for tougher rules gave her hope.

June Deane's 10-year-old Golden Retriever Ruby died last week after two vicious attacks in less than a month. Picture: Facebook

“I feel like everything we’ve done (following Ruby’s death) was not in vain and I’m happy to see the changes, even though we’re still in grief,” Ms Deane told The Advertiser.

“Maybe these changes will make owners with dangerous dogs more accountable for their pets.”

This comes after Ruby the golden retriever died following two separate attacks.

The final attack was after Ruby was vaccinated and another unleashed dog jumped out of a car and made a “beeline” for Ruby which ultimately led to her tragic death.

June called for immediate change by starting a petition called ‘Ruby’s Law’ – campaigning for a safer community with “no more second chances in fatal dog attacks”.

Originally published as State government set to increase fines for dog owners if their pet attacks another animal or person