Tougher stance on

CASEY residents are encouraged to have their say on dangerous dogs as the State Government prepares to toughen laws governing them.
Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the government was launching an online survey to ensure any proposed dangerous dogs legislation met community expectations.
“The government understands the community wants a tough stance to reduce dog attacks and that’s why we are making changes to the laws around dangerous dogs,” Mr Helper said.
In 2005, the government introduced laws to stop the breeding of dangerous and restricted breed dogs.
It also doubled the penalties for irresponsible dog owners in 2007.
“But we have seen an unacceptable number of dog attacks in the community in the past 12 months,” Mr Helper said.
“There are too many people flouting existing laws by not registering their dogs, or not ensuring dangerous dogs are suitably restrained.
“To those people we say the net is closing in and their irresponsible behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”
The new laws are set to further toughen penalties but also give councils more powers in dealing with unregistered and dangerous dogs.
“Proposed changes to the legislation would remove the right of appeal for owners and allow council officers more time to focus on the job of keeping dangerous dogs off Victorian streets,” Mr Helper said.
The government is planning to introduce its dangerous dog legislation into Parliament this year.
The survey will be open until Monday 15 February. For details visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au.