Kodi’s campaign steps up a notch

THE owner of a german shepherd at the centre of a push to change Tasmania’s dangerous dog laws will meet with Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein.

Vikki Phillips and one of the Kodi’s Army campaign co-ordinators will see Mr Gutwein on July 7 and likely present an online petition which has 15,000 signatures, many from interstate and as far afield as Canada and Belgium.

Mr Gutwein said he would listen to their concerns.

Ms Phillips said last week it was too late to help Kodi — who was put down earlier this month — but the Government needed to listen to the community and amend Tasmania’s dangerous dog laws so animals protecting their own property or themselves were automatically exempt from sanctions.

Memorials were held around Tasmania last weekend and a national Kodi’s walk is in the wings to keep pressure on legislators.

Car bumper stickers have also been made.

In December, two young boys allegedly climbed fences to enter the Wynyard property where Kodi lived.

One boy was seriously injured and hospitalised.

The dog was stabbed seven times and needed surgery.

Kodi was classified as a dangerous dog and seized by Waratah-Wynyard Council.

He was allowed to go home after his owners erected a prescribed enclosure and put up warning signs.

Ms Phillips said the changes under the new classification were too much for the dog and it was decided to put him out of his misery.

Kodi