Penalties have increased today for those who don’t effectively control their dogs on the Gold Coast.
Council says the new ‘Animal Management Local Laws’ have been put in place to ensure responsible pet ownership for the safety of the community and the protection of native wildlife.
The fine for not keeping dogs under effective control has jumped from $154 to $619.
While pet owners who’s animals are caught wandering the street will be slapped with a fine of $464 – up from $154 previously.
Mayor Tom Tate says the new rules follow extensive community consultation, with participants in support of tougher local laws around responsible pet ownership.
“We have listened to the community and addressed their concerns regarding public safety when it comes to dogs and the responsibility of their owners,” says Mayor Tate.
“The changes will start today, and the message is simple. If you are in public with your dog, it must be on a leash, you need to have control of your dog in off-leash areas and have secure property fencing to ensure they and the community are kept safe.”
There’s been a steady increase in dogs now living on the Gold Coast and almost 700 dog attacks are reported each year.
There are also new requirements for residents living in koala habitat areas to protect the native animals from dog attacks.
“Taking measures to prevent interactions between a koala entering areas of your property which are accessible by your dog and providing structures to help koalas escape if they manage to find their way in, will reduce harm to our precious native wildlife.” Mayor Tate added.
Limits to the number of some types of animals able to be kept on a property are also being removed or relaxed where they are situated on large rural or semi-rural allotments.
Penalty notice increases include:
- Not keeping your dog under effective control $154 to $619
- Not keeping your pet contained within your property $154 to $464
- Not meeting the minimum standard for keeping a pet $154 to $309
- Not meeting koala conservation requirements for your dog $309
For further details visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/animallaws
