Dog Attack and Dog Rushing – Offenders ProsecutedEast Gippsland dog owners are urged to take their responsibility as a pet owner seriously, following the recent convictions handed out to a number of dog owners at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court. By Hayley Turner - 21st March 2002 - Back to News
Dog Attack and Dog Rushing – Offenders Prosecuted
20/03/02
East Gippsland dog owners are urged to take their responsibility as a pet owner seriously, following the recent convictions handed out to a number of dog owners at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court.
Shire Community Laws Coordinator Daryl Townsend said a lot of dog owners are exposing themselves to the risk of having to front up in Court and justify the behaviour of their dog.
"In March of this year Council prosecuted several dog owners for a total of 16 offences against the Domestic (Feral & Nuisance) Animals Act. The defendants received fines ranging from $355 to $1,100 and paying costs on top of the fines let alone the trauma of having to front up to Court.
The level of fines imposed against these dog owners certainly indicates the seriousness the Courts view these offences. The community of East Gippsland is also becoming less tolerant to irresponsible dog behaviour and are prepared to provide adequate evidence of complaint to facilitate enforcement actions."
Mr Townsend said that in relation to the recent prosecutions it was unfortunate and disappointing that it took a court prosecution and heavy fines to shock pet owners into the realities of their responsibility.
"The dog attack and dog rushing incidents arose out of circumstances where dogs were not confined to the owners property and menaced people on the street, and in their own homes. In one incident a small child was bitten on the face. This is totally unacceptable.
It is very disturbing to still hear people say my dog wouldn’t hurt a fly, what harm is he doing, when they are confronted for the behaviour of their pet.
These incidents serve as a timely warning to all dog owners, take your responsibility seriously or be prepared to have your day in court. Council’s Community Laws Officers are required to execute the legislative provisions of the Domestic (Feral & Nuisance) Animals Act, our officer’s will investigate complaints and will issue on the spot fines or activate summonses and court prosecutions, depending on the nature of the offence."
Mr Townsend said Council could provide dog owners with advice on all their legal responsibilities through an information booklet called Dogs, Cats, Neighbours and You. Copies of these booklets can be obtained from Council business centres or by contacting the Shire’s Community Laws office.
Further information, contact Daryl Townsend on 51539500
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: HayleyT@egipps.vic.gov.au
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