THE ACT government has introduced a Bill to further tighten the laws around dangerous dogs and ensure they align with reforms to greyhound racing, says Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris.

Ms Fitzharris says the Bill that the ACT government is introducing today (March 22) amends the “Domestic Animals Legislation Amendment Bill 2018″ to align the dangerous dog and greyhound racing ban amendments passed by the Legislative Assembly last year. 

“For example, this change will require the Registrar to consider the safety of the public and also whether an owner can demonstrate responsible dog management, care and control before granting a greyhound controller licence,” she says.

“A greyhound controller licence allows a person to have day-to-day care of one or more racing greyhounds.

“The Bill will also ensure that the principles of responsible pet ownership and public safety that were introduced through the dangerous dog amendments equally apply to the greyhound provisions.”

Ms Fitzharris says the Bill also tightens up penalties and offences in the Act, and will allow for fines to be issued in a greater range of circumstances to people who breach the law and are clearly acting irresponsibly or unsafely in respect of their dogs, for example, by breaching a dog control order.

She says the Bill will also makes changes to:

• Define “breeding” so there are no loopholes in the law and illegal breeding and puppy farming can be further targeted and stamped out.
• Allow for carers of dogs, as well as keepers of dogs, to have dog control orders and restrictions placed on them.
• Allow for dogs to be impounded in animal rescue facilities and not just the government pound, for better animal welfare outcomes.
• Clarify that people must carry equipment to clean up after their dog.
• Gives effect to a comprehensive infringement notice scheme so it is clear whether or not an offence is a strict liability offence.