Orange City Council has issued a reminder to dog owners to obey the laws after a recent court case found in Council's favour.
The case related to dogs not secured on their owner's property and then not under control in public. There were two incidents involving attacks on people. There were four dogs involved in the attacks on public land and in one a person was injured receiving multiple bite wounds requiring medical attention.
The fine was $4500 and the owner was banned from owning dogs for five years. Council was also awarded legal costs of $6500.
Companion Animals Community Committee Chair Cr David Mallard said the court case was a reminder of the consequences of not being a responsible owner.
"It is also a reminder that Orange City Council will take action when dog owners are in breach of the law and the potential consequences if dogs aren't controlled," Cr Mallard
"We hope this latest case acts as a reminder for dog owners to keep their dogs contained on their property to prevent roaming and attacks against other animals and people."
"Orange City Council does not take legal action lightly but if that's what it takes to improve ownership behaviour and keep the community safe then that is what we will do."
There are a range of penalties relating to dog infringements and can be up to $44,000 if the dog is declared menacing, dangerous, or restricted. In some cases an attack can result in a ban on ownership as was the penalty in the above case).
Under the law your dog must be under the effective control of a competent person at all times when out in public. This means that it must be on a chain, cord, or leash and under the control of someone capable of restraining it unless in a leash free area.
Cr Mallard said that in leash free areas there still needs to be effective control.
"In the Companion Animals Community Committee we often have the issue raised that owners go there, let their dog loose to run around and then they use their phone or do other things that mean they're not paying attention to their dog's behaviour," Cr Mallard said.
When using leash-free areas you:
- should make sure that your dog is under your effective control at all times
- must pick up and dispose of your dog's faeces
- should make sure you and you dog behave courteously
- should consider whether your dog is socialised enough to interact with other dogs
