South Australian dog owners will face fines of up to $100,000 and jail time for attacks under harsh new laws as the state grapples with a surge in dangerous incidents.
More than 500 people have gone to hospital for treatment from 1200 reported attacks in the last year in the state.
That’s led to the new laws, to be introduced next week, to hold dog owners more accountable for their pets’ actions.
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Owners whose dogs cause death or serious injury could face a $25,000 fine, doubled if the animal was already on a dangerous dog order.
People who deliberately encourage dog attacks could face even harsher penalties, including a $100,000 fine or four years’ jail.
“We see other dogs being killed in front of their distraught owners,” Deputy Premier Susan Close said.
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“So we just need to get a bit tougher on that and make sure that people are paying attention to their obligations as owners.”
Meanwhile, Australia Post has begun delivering letters to more than 300,000 dog-owning South Australians, with bumper stickers and leaflets highlighting the rise in dog attacks on posties.
In the last five years, Australia Post says there’s been a 50 per cent rise in dog attacks, forcing them to stop delivering to some areas until they’re deemed safe.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
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