Safer does laws have now been passed! 

The Queensland Government has delivered on its promise to institute tougher dangerous dog laws. 

After thousands of Queenslanders lodged formal submissions or completed surveys backing a tougher approach, the new laws mean irresponsible owners of dogs that attack and cause serious injury or death can now face jail terms. 

The changes will include: 

• Maximum fines for failure to take reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack to double to more than $92,000;
• Maximum fines up to $108,000 and up to three years jail for the owner of a dog that kills or seriously injures a person; and
• Bans on five dog breeds, namely Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, and the Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.

The changes will be supported with a $7.57 Million funding package, which will provide a more coordinated, consistent and effective government action in response to dog attacks, and support dog management initiatives in First Nations communities. 

The funding will also include a community education and awareness campaign rolled out over three years to build responsible dog ownership, prevent dog attacks, and reduce the risk of harm from dog attacks.

As well as updating the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act, passage of the Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (2023) also:

• Introduced the framework to implement onboard monitoring in the commercial fishing sector;
• Enabled greater cross-checking between the Queensland Fisheries authorities and other agencies;
• Adjusted laws on industrial cannabis to enable licensed growers to supply plant material and seeds to licenced testers for agronomic and seed testing analysis;
• Supports a growing aquaculture industry through the creation of a new aquaculture authority;
• Broadens the offence of obstructing an authorised fisheries officer from carrying out their roles to include abusive and intimidatory behaviour; and
• Extends the maximum time a Biosecurity Emergency Order can be in place to 42 days (up from 21).