As dog owners throughout Australia will be aware, changes in law and general society frequently adversely affect the broader community of responsible dog owners. The changes that bring about these impacts are frequently made without the general knowledge of the community and the GSDCA is very much aware that being ever vigilant in this regard is the best way to protect owners of German Shepherd Dogs in Australia.
This should never imply that the organisation condones or supports irresponsible ownership or management of an animal. The Council supports the argument that any legislation should target deed not breed and to insure that this is the case, the Council has appointed a Breed Specific Legislation officer to monitor and coordinate the Council’s response to any such proposals.
For further information, contact the BSL Officer
State by State ‘News Releases & Contacts’
Victoria
DANGEROUS DOGS LEGISLATION BEING DRAFTED – COMMUNITY CONSULTATION UNDER WAY.
See following media release and make sure you have your say – our message has consistently been “Deed, not Breed”
“Community views sought on the laws relating to dangerous dogs
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry is seeking community views on the adequacy of the current laws relating to dangerous and restricted breed dogs in Victoria.
The Victorian Parliament’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee is calling for public submissions on the laws related to dangerous dogs. The committee will be considering whether the current laws encourage responsible dog ownership and protect both the community and the environment.
In addition to canvassing community concerns about the management of dangerous dogs, the inquiry will inform proposed changes to the Domestic Animals Act 1994 with regards to the current moratorium on the destruction of restricted breed dogs.
Committee Chair, Joshua Morris, said that the inquiry addresses an area of long-standing community concern.
“The issue of dangerous dogs, and in particular restricted breed dogs, invokes strong views in the community. There have been well documented cases of serious, and occasionally fatal, dog attacks which have led to calls for stronger action from government.”
Mr Morris said that the inquiry will hear from a wide range of people and will make recommendations aimed at strengthening both community safety and fairness to the dogs and dog owners at the centre of the inquiry.
“The tragic death of four-year-old Ayen Chol from a dog attack in 2011, as well as other serious attacks, highlights the need for laws that ensure public safety. It is the committee’s intention to find a balance between ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated and protecting the rights of responsible dog owners,” Mr Morris said.
The committee wants to hear from organisations and individuals interested in the issue. The terms of reference can be found at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eic and the committee will be taking submissions until 10 July 2015.
Enquiries: Michael Baker, Committee Secretary – 03 8682 2817 or 0404 848 896. “
Further details for submitting can be found here. Closing date for submissions: 10 July 2015.
View the Media Release
South Australia
Dog and Cat reforms announced (20 Apr 2015)
On Sunday 19th April 2015 the Hon. Ian Hunter, Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation announced that a draft bill containing proposed legislative amendments to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 has been developed and is now open for public consultation.
The amendments contain joint recommendations of the Dog and Cat Management Board, Local Government Association, Select Committee for Dogs and Cats as Companion Animals and the Government’s election commitments outlined in Let’s Keep Building South Australia.
The aims of the proposed changes are to improve dog and cat management and welfare in South Australia and improve the consistency of legislation across a number of Local Government Acts.
A draft Bill the Dog and Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2015 contains a number of amendments including the following:
- Mandatory microchipping of dogs and cats.
A requirement for anyone who breeds dogs and cats for sale to be registered.
Extended powers for council Authorised Persons to manage cats
Increased penalties for people who allow their dog to wander or attack.
Consultation on the Dog and Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2015 closes on Friday 26 June.
A draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and Cats in Breeding Facilities, under the Animal Welfare Act 1985, has also been developed and will be open for consultation until Friday 29 May.
there is a meeting of Dogs SA members on Thursday 14 May. View details
You are invited to have your say on the proposed changes using the online or printable Submission Form at yoursay.sa.gov.au.