Are you a responsible pet owner?
From 1 July 2009, new rules commenced for mandatory registration and micro-chipping of all:
- dogs and cats born after 1 July 2009;
- dogs and cats sold or given away; and
- dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs.
Local governments will continue to have primary responsibility for the management of dogs and cats. However, the new laws provide for consistency of rules across all local government areas about matters such as:
- the declaration of dangerous and menacing dogs;
- compulsory desexing of dangerous and restricted dogs;
- permit requirements for dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs;
- powers of authorised inspectors to enter private property;
- the immediate destruction of dogs upon seizure in certain circumstances; and
- applications for the review of local council decisions and appeals to the Magistrates Court.
Maximum penalties for breaches of the new laws ranges from $500 (e.g. for failing to notify of change to registration details) to $30,000 (e.g. for abandoning a dangerous, menacing or restricted dog, or allowing a dog to cause grievous bodily harm to a person).
Considering the potential penalties involved, it is worth knowing what your responsibilities are. If you think any of these issues might be relevant to you and your pet, we suggest you contact your local government for more information or obtain legal advice.
Posted on 9th September 2009
