Scenic Rim Regional Council is urging residents to take responsibility for pet management following a spike in dog attacks across the region.
In recent months, there has been a substantial increase in reported dog attacks, including serious incidents that resulted in victims requiring hospital stays.
Most of these attacks have occurred on public land.
Council recently seized nine dogs due to insufficient or non-compliant enclosures.
These cases involved properties where fencing or containment measures failed to meet safety standards, posing a risk to both the public and other animals.
Council officers are monitoring high-risk situations and will take enforcement action where necessary.
Cr Amanda Hay, who oversees Council’s Parks and Biodiversity Portfolio and is also on the State Government’s Animal Management Taskforce, said the rise in attacks was deeply concerning.
“Community safety is our top priority. These incidents are preventable, and it is every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their pets are securely contained and properly managed at all times – both at home and in public,” she said.
Recent amendments to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 have strengthened penalties and enforcement powers, including on-the-spot fines exceeding $830 for failing to keep a dog under effective control in a public place, fines exceeding $112,000 or imprisonment for serious dog attack offences.
Dog owners are legally required to:
Ensure dogs are adequately contained within their property, with secure and compliant fencing
Keep dogs under effective control at all times in public places, including on a lead or under voice command in designated areas
Properly supervise dogs when in public spaces
Register and microchip pets as required
Take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from attacking or causing fear to people or other animals
Under the Act, local governments must issue destruction orders for regulated dogs involved in serious attacks and may do so for non-regulated dogs where there is a risk to public safety.
