Dog owners in Queensland could face jail time or a $100,000 fine for serious attacks
Certain dog breeds will be banned and irresponsible owners could be jailed for serious attacks under bills set to be introduced when Queensland parliament resumes.
The government gave Queenslanders until August 24 to respond to community consultations on cracking down on irresponsible dog owners and maintaining community safety from dangerous dogs.
Proposals for a new offense that would warrant a prison sentence of up to three years for serious attacks, and a nationwide requirement that all dogs in public places be effectively controlled, are part of the bill.
Owners can also be fined up to $100,000 for the most serious violations.
The crackdown comes after three people were hospitalized in separate attacks in April.
Dog owners could be jailed or fined up to $100,000 if their pets seriously attack or kill someone under new laws in Queensland (stock image)
Five dog breeds expected to be banned in the legislation are Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said earlier this year that a grandfather period for people who owned these dogs before the legislation was passed will allow them to keep the animal.
“There is strong support for individual responsibility when it comes to dangerous dogs and under our updated laws, owners will continue to bear that responsibility,” he said.
“There must be a strong deterrent to prevent irresponsible behavior that could endanger the community.”
Last year, 42-year-old meter reader Kane Minion from Queensland was bitten to death by three dogs.
He was attacked by three large mixed-breed dogs, including a Bullmastiff and a Rhodesian Ridgeback, in December when he visited a house on Ison Road in the Greenbank suburb of Logan.
The government will also introduce a bill to proactively allocate land and streamline approval processes for major projects for which the government has already made land use decisions.
A condolence motion will be held on Thursday for Tom Barton, former member for Waterford from 1992 to 2006.