Queensland’s dog owners are feeling the bite as new pet ownership laws unleash hefty fines. On July 31, the Sunshine State introduced tougher regulations, hitting owners with an $806 fine for failing to keep their furry friends on a leash in public. Previously, the penalty was a less jaw-dropping $322. For those whose dogs might bite more than they can chew, the fines can soar up to $112,910, with a potential three-year tail-wagging jail sentence.
One of the latest regulations imposes an on-the-spot fine of $806 for residents who fail to keep their dogs under effective control in public areas. This figure is a significant increase from the previous penalty of $322. More severe offences involving dog attacks can lead to fines reaching up to $112,910, along with a possible three-year imprisonment. “Amendments to the AMCDA were prompted by an uptick in complaints concerning aggressive dogs and dog attacks, compounded by the substantial number of dog-attack victims hospitalised annually in Queensland,” the Queensland government declared in an online statement.
Local dog enthusiast John found himself penalised for walking his adorable pooch a mere 10 metres to the shoreline for a kayaking trip. “It’s quite ruff,” John barked to A Current Affair, arguing that His pooch was under effective control and wasn’t compromised. He mused over the extra charges looming if he didn’t settle up in 28 days.
Meanwhile, coffee-sipper Robyn got caught up in the leashing turmoil too. Her tethered pup was lounging at her feet when the ticket was issued. “Fetching a coffee shouldn’t fetch a fine,” she lamented to Yahoo News. Both John and Robyn’s stories highlight a community wagging their tails in protest, with many pondering if it’s really doggone fair.
