The Western Australian Local government Association has announced it will be seeking feedback from the state’s local councils over the coming months to develop a suite of ideas to discuss with the State Government to deal with the spread of vicious dog attacks.

 

The announcement comes after the State Government moved to introduce a Dog Amendment Bill in the coming session of parliament to help curb the spread of dog attacks.

 

“The recent spate of vicious dog attacks is appalling and our sympathy goes out to the families affected,” WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said.

 

“It highlights to most that dog control laws that have not been changed for more than 35 years are clearly out of date and out of step with current community expectations.”

 

Mayor Pickard said it was critical that this time the State Government followed through on ensuring the community was protected from dangerous breeds and irresponsible owners.

 

“I welcome the announcement by the Minister that he intends to introduce a Dog Amendment Bill to the coming session of Parliament,” he said.

 

“It is encouraging that his proposed amendments will consider prohibiting the availability, breeding and sale of dangerous breeds and sterilisation of dangerous breeds along with increased penalties for irresponsible owners and powers for local rangers. 

 

“Revisions to the Dog Act to deal more effectively with vicious dogs have been on the agenda of State Governments for years and it is time to do something about it, before another innocent person or family pet is seriously mauled or killed.”