May 31, 2017
A dog that caused minor injuries to a mother and two children in Nanango last week won’t be destroyed.
The bull terrier allegedly ran at the family as they were walking with their Jack Russell near Kimlin Street.
The injuries occurred as the trio tried to stop the bull terrier from attacking their pet.
South Burnett mayor Keith Campbell said the attacking dog would not be destroyed by Council but would be declared a “dangerous dog”.
This meant its annual registration fee would jump to $656.
It would also have to be desexed (if not already) and always be muzzled in a public place.
Dangerous dogs must also:
- Be identified by having a microchip implanted
- Be kept under the effective control of an adult holding an appropriate leash, and
- A sign must be erected advising a dangerous dog is on the property
The dog’s owners must also provide and maintain a purpose-built enclosure within the existing perimeter fence to prevent the dog from escaping.
This enclosure must be built so a child cannot climb into it, and members of the public must not be forced to walk through the enclosure to access the front door of the house.
Mayor Campbell said the laws surrounding dangerous dogs were inclined to give animals which hadn’t caused serious injury a second chance, which is why the Council hadn’t issued a destruction order.
Even so, it wasn’t Council’s policy to encourage residents to own dangerous dogs.
“If a dog is declared dangerous, owners face a range of financial penalties that may make their dog’s euthanasia an attractive option,” the Mayor said.
“Building an enclosure can cost $500 or more, and paying an annual $656 registration fee for the rest of the dog’s life is not very attractive either – especially when a desexed, microchipped dog can be registered for less than $30 a year.
“Council doesn’t discriminate against dogs, but we do want to encourage people to be responsible pet owners and to look for docile breeds that don’t pose a danger to other residents.”
What codswollop! Talk is easy! What if no compliance? Maybe compliance for a while and then back to as it was!