[Brad Lockyer]

Tougher penalties for irresponsible dog owners in Queensland are a step closer, following the latest meeting of the animal management taskforce established by the state government.

The proposed reforms to the laws 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 and fast-tracking of decisions and appeals on the future of seized dangerous animals.

Mark Furner, Queensland minister for agricultural industry development and fisheries, said the government he was a part of was committed to addressing the issue of dangerous dogs in the community.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping our community safe and ensuring that irresponsible dog owners are held accountable,” he says.

Are the proposed new laws fair to dog owners?

[ronloby]

I believe dog owners should have to undertake a course on dog handling and training, especially for larger dogs. I had German Shepards and trained them when I was younger and I could walk them without a lead and they would not leave my side unless they were given a command to do so.
Respect your dog and they will respect you.

[Denny]

I must say I agree with ronloby in that dogs are like children and need to be trained and disciplined. Also, they should be under control when out of their home. Well done training your German Shepherds so well.

[Joslyn Gardiner]

I agree dogs need to be trained and should be required to attend dog training. For all dogs, not just big ones. we have a staffy. He is gentle and obedient but cannot tolerate being ‘stood over!’ We keep him away from large – alsatians/mastiffs dogs at dog parks. He was severely mauled through a fence when four months old by a cattle dog, and again 5 years later – he is terrified of them, it is our job to keep him safe. When we go to parks or walk around our streets, the Maltese or ‘little’ dogs insist on barking and attacking him. Their owners just say “ignore him; he’s being silly!’ our dog ignores them, but we know whose fault it would be if he retaliated. These little dogs are the ones who get mauled. Training is required to take your dog out of your yard.
Regarding suburban living – I do not believe we should have aggressive dogs in small house blocks. But who decides what is aggressive? Staffies are labelled as aggressive. But they were initially bred to look after children? It is cross-breeding and bad owners that make aggressive dogs.
Crossbreeding of any dog should be banned.

[Author]

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