Councils Call For Tougher Penalties For Irresponsible Pet Owners

Some Sydney councils are proposing harsher penalties for bad “pet etiquette”, saying there’s been a sharp rise in owners skirting the rules.

Randwick Council has submitted an application to the NSW government to review the Companion Animals Act 1998, proposing increased fines and mandated responsible pet ownership courses to tackle the issues.

“Submissions from our community highlight a need for clearer rules and etiquette to guide dog handling in shared spaces,” the submission reads.

“Key expectations include keeping dogs under control at all times, respecting other people and animals and cleaning up after pets.

“Unfortunately, these common-sense practices are not universally observed.”

The submission also advocates for more support for desexing programs, and improved rules to reduce stray and abandoned pets.

NSW councils can currently issues maximum fines of $330 for breaking off-leash rules, with neglecting to pick up dog droppings will cost $275.

Cat owners not off the hook either

Waverly Council is also looking at enforcing tougher penalties, and has argued that forcing owners to attended responsible pet ownership training could address reports of rangers experiencing “abuse” and “coordinated online harassment by groups opposing leash laws”.

Data from the Council has tracked 555 breaches of off-leash dog walking rules in the last three years.

“Given that this is the first review of pet ownership laws in 20 years, it’s long overdue [and] the government is open to hearing any suggestions that will help ensure these laws are effective in keeping our pets and the community safe.”