Dog law pressure builds

HUNDREDS of supporters of a push to amend Tasmania’s dangerous dog laws will hit the pavement this weekend to put pressure on the State Government to give proper consideration to a petition calling for change.

The owner of a dog classified as dangerous, Vikki Phillips, and a Kodi’s Army campaign organiser met Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein earlier this month.

They presented him with a petition bearing more than 15,260 signatures asking for changes to Tasmania’s Dangerous Dog Act so pets protecting their property from trespass — or themselves from physical harm — were not classified as dangerous.

“We hope to get a good turnout for the walks on Sunday and hear back soon from Mr Gutwein that our proposed amendments are being considered,” organiser Karen James said.

Kodi, the German shepherd, became the face of a community push to amend the laws in June when Ms Phillips revealed he had been euthanised because he was not coping with his enforced and restricted lifestyle.

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

Kodi reacted and one boy was seriously injured and required hospitalisation.

The dog was also stabbed during the incident and needed surgery.

Kodi was classified as dangerous by the WaratahWynyard Council and forced to spend his time in a cage when his owners were at work.

On Sunday, Walks for Kodi will be held across the state simultaneously at 11am.

The Hobart event will be held at the Jordan River trail in Ford St, Pontville.

Walks will also be staged at the sound shell at Ulverstone and at Albert Park Lake in Melbourne.

Mr Gutwein said yesterday that he had met with Vicki and Karen recently and had undertaken to follow up the matters that they raised.