Stiff fines will bite

Plan to hit owners of snappy dogs

OWNERS of dogs that attack other pets will face harsh fines under a proposed crackdown against violent animals.

Massive fines and targeted patrols will aim to reduce the escalating spate of violence against pets and their owners.

One woman was injured so badly she lost a finger while trying to rescue her dog from another canine.

Robina Cr Hermann Vorster, who is leading the push, said existing laws were not stopping the violence.

“They are not acting as a strong enough deterrent,” he said. “In my view there is no choice but to communicate through the hip pocket.”

As part of the proposed tougher penalties, Cr Vorster is pushing for council animal management staff to crack down on attack hot spots across the city.

Among the areas already singled out are Frascott Park and the boardwalk along Lake Orr.

The city receives approximately 800 reports of aggressive dogs annually and declared 74 dangerous dogs in the past financial year.

Cr Vorster, a self-described passionate dog owner, said the penalties were aimed at owners of repeat offenders who had been shown to be frequently violent towards other animals and their owners.

“This is about people who have chosen to flout the laws which are there to protect the public,” he said. “We are seeing people being attacked in their own streets, they are losing digits, their kids are being pushed over.

“What really concerns me is that some of these people are so utterly disinterested that they are not going to the aid of their animals’ victims.” Cr Vorster will table a proposed review of the council’s animal management laws at the next full council meeting.

A leading Gold Coast vet has backed the idea of tougher penalties.

“This is a great idea,” said Vet Collective director Richard Seymour.

“Neither animal involved in a fight is to blame, so I think it is great that people who are charged with taking care of these animals should be considered accountable.”