Dog owners face increased fines after statewide crackdown

Millions of pet owners are being told to keep their dogs on a tight leash as one Aussie state increases its penalties following a spike in serious dog attacks.

Fine amounts were previously at council discretion and differed from area to area in Queensland, however, in a statewide bid to crack down on dangerous dog ownership, Queenslanders are now subjected to the same penalties if they or their dog are caught doing the wrong thing, regardless of their location.

Local councils will still be responsible for enforcing the amendments and the introduced fines are hefty, with on-the-spot fines more than doubling for owners who fail to control their dogs in public spaces — jumping from $322 to $806.

Dog owners are legally required to control their dogs by using voice commands in order to control their pets in public places and if a fatal attack does occur, the owner can now face possible jail time and fines of up to $108,000.

The changes came into effect on August 1 after a review of the Animal Management Act 2008 which largely oversees responsible pet ownership of dogs and cats.

• Bunnings customer reignites demands for dog ban after 'disgusting' act in store

• Outrage over 'dodgy' act with puppies witnessed on busy Aussie street

• Dog owners could face $10,000 fines after golden retriever attacked

Aussies call for stricter fines on dangerous dogs

The amendments came after many pushed for stricter fines as dog attacks continued to rise in Queensland. There were 382 dog attacks in the previous financial year, with the majority of attacks occurring with other animals. However, an alarming number involved humans being attacked and injured by dogs.

"Queenslanders told us they wanted tougher laws to combat dangerous dogs and the Miles Government has delivered," Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, said. "We will keep working with the community to get the message out about these new laws and help people with at-risk dogs to comply to make the community safer."

The state government has also promised a $7.57 million funding package to assist councils in the change.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.