- Fourth meeting of animal management taskforce discusses areas of reform.
- Progressing towards public consultation on dog attack law reform discussion paper.
- Palaszczuk Government committed to community safety.
Tougher penalties for irresponsible dog owners are a step closer, following the latest meeting of the animal management taskforce established by the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner chaired the meeting yesterday, joined by mayors and councillors from across Queensland, as well as representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, RSPCA Queensland and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
The Minister reaffirmed the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to reforming the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008, with a view to progressing reforms that are a priority for councils and the community.
Proposed reforms include:
- Increases in penalties for the most serious dog attack offences, including imprisonment as an option.
- A ban on restricted dog breeds.
- Development of a community education program.
- Fast-tracking of decisions and appeals on the future of seized dangerous animals.
- Continued assessment of further tough reforms through the taskforce and technical working group process.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping our community safe and ensuring that irresponsible dog owners are held accountable.
"As a government, we have publicly affirmed the way forward when it comes to dealing with dangerous dogs with the help of the taskforce.
"I would like to thank the members of the taskforce, including mayors and councillors from across Queensland for their valuable input.
"The Palaszczuk Government wants to support councils to enforce animal management practices with strong legislation, which will be informed by public consultation on the discussion paper.
"I look forward further consultation with the community, and I'll be encouraging everyone to have their say on the proposed reforms."
