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Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh has called for local government to be given greater support to implement the Brumby Government’s new dog laws.
Mr Walsh said the Domestic Animals Amendment (Dangerous Dogs) Bill being debated in Parliament required councils to take a greater role in ensuring streets and homes were safe from wandering and dangerous dogs.
“Councils already bear the burden of enforcing companion dog laws including registration and the employment of authorised officers and rangers,” Mr Walsh said.
“This is another responsibility the Brumby Government has foisted onto local councils and it brings to the fore a need for councils to be given greater support and for dog owners to take greater responsibility.
“More than 40 per cent of dogs are unregistered and an average of six dog attacks are reported every day in Victoria.”
Mr Walsh said he was concerned the legislation would further strain already-stretched councils by handballing more responsibility to local government.
“Existing laws require registration and micro chipping of pet dogs but many councils aren’t sufficiently resourced to enforce these new laws as well,” Mr Walsh said.
“The responsibility will fall on local government to employ the authorised officers and rangers needed to make sure dogs are registered.
“The legislation will also place greater onus on owners of some breeds to register them as dangerous, menacing or restricted breeds.
“Research by Monash University’s Victorian Injuries Surveillance Unit suggests that dog attacks occur more frequently by unregistered dogs.
“Pet owners need to make sure not just that their dogs are compliant with registration requirements but that they receive proper training and care,” Mr Walsh said.