Dogs owners can now be held criminally responsible for the actions of their animals after tough new laws passed State Parliament.
The changes mean irresponsible owners of dogs that attack and cause serious injury or death can now face up to three years in jail.
The maximum fines for failing to take reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack will also double to more than $92,000.
While the owners of a dog that kills or seriously injures a person could spend up to three years behind bars with maximum fines increased up to $108,000.
The new laws come after thousands of Queenslanders lodged formal submissions or completed surveys backing a tougher approach following a spate of attacks.
“Queenslanders told us they wanted tougher laws to combat dangerous dogs and we have delivered,” Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said.
“We worked with local governments, the LGAQ and RSPCA Queensland through an Animal Management Taskforce that recommended meaningful changes to these laws.
“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.
“We will always put the safety of Queenslanders first and that’s what these important reforms will deliver.”
Five dog breeds have also been banned, including the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, and the Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
