Dog attacks on the rise, Council calls for responsible pet ownership

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is reminding dog owners of their responsibilities following a spate of dog attacks across the region.

Council’s Local Laws Portfolio Councillor, Cheryl Steinhardt said safety was paramount – and a team effort.

“Since January this year, we have dealt with 13 significant dog attacks, with nine from unregistered animals.

“While most dogs in the Lockyer Valley are well managed and cared for, when dog attacks do occur, they have lasting long-term impacts, including both physical injury and emotional trauma - even more so when the incidents involve children or the elderly.

“By law, dog owners must ensure their dogs are adequately contained on their property, and when exercised in public areas are on-lead unless in a designated off-leash area.

“Even dogs with no prior history of aggression can react unpredictably in certain situations, so please secure fencing and gates, leash dogs in public and supervise interactions, especially around children,” she said.

Under Queensland legislation, a dog attack can include:

• Biting or injuring a person or another animal; or
• Acting in a way that causes fear, injury, or harm, even if physical injury does not occur.

“Depending on the circumstances and severity of an incident, Council may take a range of enforcement actions, including on the spot fines for offences such as a dog not being under effective control, wandering at large or failing to comply with registration or containment requirements.

“In serious cases, Council may commence court proceedings, where penalties can include significant fines imposed by the court and, in extreme cases, further legal orders relating to the dog.

“The ramifications for not doing the right thing can be long-lasting and your dog could be declared Dangerous or Menacing. Under the Queensland legislation, where criteria are met, Council is required to make a declaration for the safety of the community.

“Declared dogs are subject to strict conditions, which may include secure enclosure requirements, warning signage, muzzling in public, and special registration requirements,” she said.

Council urges dog owners to take proactive steps to prevent incidents, including:

• Ensuring fencing and gates are secure at all times
• Using leashes in public places
• Supervising interactions between dogs and people, particularly children
• Seeking training or behavioural advice if a dog shows signs of anxiety or aggression

“We encourage residents to report dog attacks or serious incidents to Council as soon as possible to allow prompt investigation and response,” Cr Steinhardt said.

To report a dog attack or learn more, contact Council’s Local Laws team on 1300 005 872.