NOOSA Council is warning dog owners to control their pets or risk prosecution.
The council takes responsible pet ownership seriously and will pursue legal action in the event of dog attacks, says acting local laws co-ordinator Phil Montague.
The warning comes as a Sunshine Beach dog owner was fined $1500 in Noosa Magistrates’ Court for a dog attack at Sunshine Beach last year, in which a woman and her Cavoodle were injured.
“This attack happened in a council park and could have been prevented had the owner of the offending animal complied with the law and had it on a leash,” Mr Montague said.
“The incident was not only frightening for the victim, but costly, with her dog requiring more than $2000 worth of treatment, including two operations.”
“The most recent case followed a council investigation to identify the dog’s owner, with information from the public helping bring the matter before the court.”
In addition to the fine the offending dog owner was ordered to pay $1900 worth of professional costs.
“This result reflects the council’s commitment to responsible pet ownership and demonstrates the seriousness with which the courts deal with dog attacks,” Mr Montague said
He said it was not the first time the council had prosecuted irresponsible pet owners.
Besides prosecution in the event of a dog attack, dog owners who allow their pets to wander also face fines in excess of $230, plus impound charges.
“Responsible pet ownership can be as simple as making sure gates are closed to stop dogs wandering the street, or by keeping dogs leashed around other animals or people,” Mr Montague said.
“Dangerous dogs have no place in our community and it is every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their animal does not pose a risk to other people or animals.”
