Zero tolerance for irresponsible dog owners

Following a dog attack at Buderim this morning, the 37th reported in the past four weeks, Sunshine Coast Council has said enough is enough and will take a zero tolerance approach to irresponsible dog ownership.

The latest incident saw three ‘pitbull’ type dogs kill another dog and cat.

Director Community Services Coralie Nichols said there had been an escalation in dog attacks on the Sunshine Coast over the past month and council would come down hard on irresponsible dog owners.

“It is time dog owners realised they need to take personal responsibility for their dogs,” Ms Nichols said.

“Council is drawing a line in the sand today and advising that we will not tolerate dogs not under effective control in the community, that we have zero tolerance for aggressive and dangerous dogs, and that we will ensure that owners of these animals will be held responsible for their dogs’ unacceptable behaviour.

“We are warning owners of dogs that attack that the full extent of the law will be enforced. This could include fines of more than $30,000 and euthanasia of your dog.

“Our officers will step up their inspections. Dog owners’ fences will be checked and dog registration will be checked.

“In the past four weeks council has received 28 reports regarding a dog attacking another dog and a further nine reports of a dog attacking a person, including this one at Buderim today.

“A number of these attacks have been by dogs that are not registered and not de-sexed, the latter being more problematic during mating season and more likely to escape a property.

"This is what occurred today.

“Most attacks occur due to a lack of vigilance from the owner, or the dog has roamed from an unfenced or poorly maintained yard.”

Council has impounded the offending dogs involved in today’s attack while a full investigation is undertaken.

Dog owners found guilty of attacking a person could face fines of $34,155, plus civil action.

If you experience or witness dogs acting aggressively towards people or animals contact council on 5475 7272, so council can investigate as soon as possible and take relevant action.