Following a recent spate of serious dog attacks across the municipality, Swan Hill Rural City Council is launching a Responsible Pet Ownership Campaign aimed at reducing dog attacks in public places and improving animal safety throughout the community.
The campaign will focus on ensuring dogs are securely confined to their property. Recent incidents show that most dog attacks have occurred close to the attacking dog's home, often because the dog was not properly contained.
Director Development and Planning Michelle Grainger said dog owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their pets are safely confined at all times.
"Responsible pet ownership starts at home, and that means having escape-proof fencing, securely shut gates, and safe visitor access to the front door to prevent dogs from rushing or escaping when people enter the property," Ms Grainger said.
Fines for having a dog at large range from $305 to $407, while the fine for allowing a dog to rush or chase a person is $204. In cases where a dog attacks a person or another animal, owners may face thousands of dollars in court fines and damages. In more serious cases, destruction orders may also be issued. Farmers also have a legal right to euthanase dogs found near livestock.
Ms Grainger said that, as part of the prevention campaign, Council will deliver a community education program followed by a rigorous enforcement program to help residents understand their responsibilities and keep pets, people and livestock safe.
The community education campaign will include social media reminders and practical pet safety tips, with a key topic highlighted each week throughout May. Topics will include responsible pet ownership, secure fencing and gate checks, choosing the right pet, and understanding the legal requirements of pet ownership.
Residents will be able to access this information through Council's website, social media channels, customer service centres and printed resources available at Council offices.
Owners of dogs found wandering the street or not adequately confined to their properties may face on-the-spot infringements or impoundment of their pet.
Ms Grainger said Council believed this action was necessary for both community safety and animal welfare.
"Residents have the right to walk the streets or exercise their own pets without fear of attack, and it is in the best welfare interests of all dogs to be safely confined and protected from potential car accidents, fights with other animals or theft," she said.
Council is urging all pet owners to take this opportunity to review their fencing, gates and animal registrations to ensure they are meeting their responsibilities as responsible pet owners.
