By Kirra Livingstone
THE Queensland Government has tightened the leash on dangerous dog laws, increasing offence penalties to dangerous dog owners, including up to three years jail if the dog kills or seriously injures a person. These changes to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act were announced on April 18, following a review of the act, which found a number of crucial recommendations.
$7.57 million of funding has been allocated towards implementing these changes, which includes fines up to $92,000 if an owner fails to take steps to restrain their dog from attacking another person or animal.
Five additional dog breeds have also been banned, which include Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Amercian pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, and Presa Canario.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said there has been 62 dog attacks on a person, and 76 dog attacks on another animal, since January 1 2024.
There was a total of seven dog attacks from 18-30 April 2023, and a total of 12 dog attacks in the same time period in 2024.
