By JESSE GRAHAM
COLDSTREAM animal workers have spoken out against a law change that will clamp down harder on residents suspected of owning restricted dog breeds.
An amendment to the Domestic Animals Act passed the lower house of the Victorian Parliament on 28 November and is set to pass the upper house in the near future.
Coldstream Animal Aid spokesperson Debra Boland said the laws, which she said shifted the onus of proof, will pinch regular dog owners.
Under the amendment, if an animal is declared by a council officer to be a restricted breed, such as a pit bull terrier, then it will be the owner’s responsibility to prove otherwise.
However, a spokeswoman the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) said dog owners should be sure of their dog’s breed and be able to prove its breed from the moment they get their dog, to avoid potential misunderstandings.
“It remains that restricted breed dogs are illegal and people should not be purchasing or rescuing dogs that may fit the standard unless they do have the relevant papers as to the type of dog they have,” she said.
Breeding a restricted breed dog will become a criminal offence under the changes to the law and can be punished with up to six months in jail.
Tough penalties will also apply for owners of dogs of any breed involved in attacks that seriously injure other animals or people, with magistrates enforcing a 10-year ownership ban on the dog owner.
This penalty can be made in addition or instead of penalties applicable to the offence.
The amendment was a result of coronial recommendations following the death of four-year-old Ayen Chol, who was mauled by a dog.
For the full story, see next week’s Mail.
