FINES for dog owners who fail to pick up after their dog will have extra bite from July 1 when significantly increased penalties are introduced.
The increases to expiations and maximum penalties were the first among a raft of sweeping changes to dog and cat management laws announced by the State Government this week.
Owners who fail to pick up after their dog will face a hefty $210 expiation, up from $55.
Mount Gambier City Council general inspector Michelle Abramovic said the changes would affect all dog and cat owners, breeders and sellers.
“The changes include new requirements for microchipping, desexing and breeder registration,” Ms Abramovic said.
“They are being phased in over the next 18 months – from July 1 it will be compulsory for all dogs and cats over a certain age to be microchipped and all new generations of dogs and cats born after July 1 must be desexed.
“New standards and guidelines for breeders and sellers will take effect from August this year.”
The changes were designed to reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned litters euthanised in pounds and shelters.
“Allowing your dog to attack, chase or menace another person or animal will attract a $315 expiation, or a $750 fine if your dog is a prescribed breed,” Ms Abramovic said.
“A new maximum penalty of $5000 is now possible for allowing a prescribed breed to wander, attack or enter the grounds of a school or childcare centre without permission.”
Ms Abramovic said local government would have increased powers to investigate offences.
“The changes will give council officers new powers to investigate breaches of the Dog and Cat Management Act,” Ms Abramovic said.
“Inspectors will have the ability to seize and gather evidence for an investigation and compel dog owners to give their name and address.”
“The new laws encourage owners to take responsibility for their pets – before this year fines and expiations hadn’t increased since 1995.”
Grant District Council community ranger Dale Millar welcomed increased penalties for dog attacks.
He said there were seven reported dog attacks on humans and 16 reported dog attacks on livestock in the district last year.
“Outdated fines had lost their impact as a deterrent – the increased penalties will hit people in the hip pocket and make them take notice,” Mr Millar said.
“New microchipping and desexing laws will address the issue of illegal puppy farms and reduce the number of unwanted litters senselessly euthanised.”
