The QLD Government and local Councils are working together for proposed changes to the Dangerous Dogs Laws, and they are seeking public consultation. So, I urge anyone with experience on this issue to take the survey and comment. You just need to enter the heading above (Google it) and it will take you to the ministerial page, scroll down to the ‘take survey’ and register. It remains open until midnight Thursday 24th August.

Proposals include jail time for serious human injury, and bans on restricted breeds. Education on dog safety, increased penalties, on the spot fines for dogs off-leash. Councils want more powers, especially with impounded dogs whose owners drag out the fate of the dog with legal processes after a destruction order has been made. Yet dogs that harm a person are euthanised almost immediately. Perhaps it would be kinder for other impounded dogs to be ‘put down’ rather than imprisoned for months in solitary confinement, even though I know of cases when a small dog has instigated a dog fight and the larger dog is blamed or someone has provoked a dog. Councils want to reform the fast tracking of decisions and appeals of future seized dogs. They claim they are wasting money keeping the dog alive. But there ought to be some exceptions to that rule, for justice and fairness to the animal. A seemingly good proposal is the centralised database with all sorts of relevant information – including the number of dogs euthanised so we have figures, stats on which to base further decisions.
Communities are currently seeking out guard- and protection-trained dogs following a high number of break and enter and stolen goods and cars, so one wonders how this is going to play out if someone gets bitten? Can the average ‘Joe Blow’ handle these dogs? We can’t control ‘dangerous’ dogs without controlling (inspecting/monitoring/closing down) dog breeders: there are just too many. Almost any breed of dog can become aggressive to other pets and humans if not socialised and trained, especially at a critical period, when they are young. Very few dogs automatically behave the way we would like, after all they are canines and without human leadership, they take the lead.
Responsible owners are educated owners/handlers, especially those with young children. Anyone can get a dog and treat it the way they want, letting a dog/s only run in a backyard or fenced areas is not enough, they need exercise and interaction with their owner, leader, carer. Many people think a second or third dog will keep them company which is false; sure, dogs are social animals, but they do not always get along, it often means ‘double trouble’ and their main loyalty is still towards humans. Dogs learn to occupy themselves and sleep around 14 or more hours a day. Then there is mandatory desexing; why keep a dog breeding if you are not a breeder? They can produce up to 32 puppies a year, it shortens their life span, can increase aggression and no – dogs do not enjoy sex, it is all pheromonal.
Pam Brandis
Dip. Canine.Prac.