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Massive fines for vicious dogs

A Woodridge woman has been fined over $6000 after her dog attacked and seriously injured someone.

The court heard 12 dogs had been kept at the property, exceeding the maximum number of dogs allowed under Logan City council laws by ten.

The dogs were seized and the offending dog euthanised following the 2023 attack, which left the victim with a severe injury.

The woman was found guilty and ordered to pay $6473.40 in fines and costs.

Mayor Jon Raven said the prosecution sent a strong message to all animal owners.

“Owning a pet is a long-term commitment and a privilege, but it also comes with responsibilities,” Cr Raven said.

“Council plays a role in upholding community expectations, and that includes being tough on people whose animals cause harm or injury.”

The value of council-issued fines for animal-related offences has more than quadrupled over the past four years.

In 2020, more than $51,000 of fines was issued, and in 2023, the value was more than $277,000.

In April 2024 changes to Queensland’s dangerous dog laws were passed.

The reforms mean owners of dogs who kill or seriously injure a person now face up to three years jail time and a fine of more than $100,000.

Five dangerous dog breeds are banned in Queensland and the maximum fine for failing to take “reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack” is $92,000 – double what it was.

Council advocated for the reforms through an industry taskforce convened by the state government following a fatal dog attack in Greenbank in 2022.

Council said the taskforce would continue to “examine further reforms to animal management legislation with a sustained commitment to public safety”.

Additionally, the animal management plan adopted by council last year has outlined a ” zero tolerance approach” to high-risk animal behaviour.

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