New companion animal laws - Brisbane City Council

STEVE BEST

Abstract

Local authorities have had legislation covering the keeping and control of animals for decades. Why then has the

number of dog attacks continually increased and the numbers of dogs being impounded not decreased?

This paper gives an overview of why Brisbane City Council has elected to introduce new legislation and change the

focus of its animal management programs.

Background

The issue of responsible pet ownership is a major concern not only to the Brisbane City Council but to all local

authorities throughout Australia.

Councils have an important economic and social role in the development of responsible pet ownership.

In 1992 there were 63,200 dogs registered with the Brisbane City Council.

In 1996 there are 82,000 dogs registered with the Brisbane City Council, with estimates of the numbers of dogs still

unregistered somewhere around 20,000.

The large increase in registrations between 1995 and 1996 was due to an extensive advertising campaign and

house-to-house inspection program carried out by CES job skill recruits.

This campaign was aimed at making people aware of their obligations towards registrations. It also identified areas of

high unregistered dogs which coincidently coincided with areas of high numbers of complaints regarding

uncontrolled dogs.

Many of the 80,000 plus registered dogs provide companionship and security to residents. This is particularly

important to aged and single parent households.

Dogs owned by irresponsible or ill informed owners cause considerable nuisance to the community. These nuisances

include:

Dog attacks

Indiscriminate backyard breeding of companion animals

Wandering dogs

Fouling footpaths, parks etc

Noise nuisance

About the author

Steve Best

Operations Manager Animal Management

Brisbane City Council

Telephone: 07 34034723;

Mobile 0414 911520;

Facsimile 07 34035230

Postal Address: GPO Box 1434 Brisbane 4001

Steve has worked as an Environmental Health Officer for 20 years. During that time he has been heavily involved in

all aspects of Animal Management.

Steve is currently managing the operations of the Animal Management Section and is responsible for the drafting of

all new Local Laws and Policies relating to the keeping and control of animals. Some of the other issues Steve is

currently working on include microchipping, Life cycle issues including the provision of pet cemeteries and other

projects aimed at rewarding responsible animal owners.

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