“Council welcomes the legislation because the changes would provide a state-wide approach to animal management,” Mayor Michael Kerr said.

Douglas Shire has in the past been caught up in lengthy and sometimes costly court matters involving dog attacks.

In one such case, a Daintree man tried to stop his three American bulldogs from being declared dangerous after two of them injured a man in an attack.

The victim reported the matter to police and Douglas Council then seized and impounded the dogs before ruling they should be destroyed.

“Council has had to defend the declaration of dangerous dogs in the QCAT a number of times,” Cr Kerr said. “In 2013, three dogs involved in an attack in Upper Daintree spent 18 months in our care while the matter was resolved in court.”

But included under the proposed law changes in the current discussion paper, is a proposal to fast-track decisions and appeals on the future of seized dangerous animals. Council believes this is necessary change.

Dangerous dog laws proposed changes

• a new offence with potential jail time for serious attacks
• imposing new state-wide bans on restricted dog breeds
• a standardised state-wide requirement for all dogs to be effectively controlled in public places and the banning of restricted dog breeds
• developing and implementing a comprehensive community education campaign
• reviewing penalties for owners of dogs that cause harm
• clarifying when a destruction order must be made for a regulated dog
• streamlining external review process for regulated dogs to minimise unnecessary delays experienced by councils and relevant parties

Other proposed measures that encourage responsible dog ownership include on-the-spot fines for off-leash dogs and an education campaign with a focus on young people.

“Council welcomes discussion on any proposal that encourages responsible dog ownership.”

Submissions until August 24

While Council is still reviewing the discussion paper and will likely make its own submission, it has advised Douglas residents and groups to direct all public feedback to the State Government, which is proposing the changes under the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008.

Submissions on the discussion paper available here: https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/dog-laws; can be made until midnight on Thursday 24 August.

“Community feedback on this discussion paper will be vital in drafting new legislation,” state minister Mark Furner said.

“It is so important that we get this right to make sure any new laws meet community expectations.”