Councils want bigger fines for poor 'pet etiquette'

Randwick City Council has submitted an exertion to nan NSW authorities to reappraisal nan Companion Animals Act 1998, saying they want bigger fines and harsher penalties for canine owners caught doing nan incorrect thing.

The exertion refers to "irresponsible" canine owners, including actions for illustration "off-leash dogs harassing children aliases wildlife" and "owners neglecting to prime up droppings".

The assembly said it had seen a important summation successful canine attacks, from 900 reported attacks successful 2004 to complete 5000 successful 2024.

"Submissions from our organization item a request for clearer rules and etiquette to guideline canine handling in shared spaces," nan submission reads.

"Key expectations see keeping dogs nether power astatine each times, respecting different group and animals and cleaning up aft pets.

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

Cat owners aren't retired of nan woods either, pinch nan exertion saying nan council's extremity is to "move toward a norm of responsible feline ownership"

It says cats should not beryllium allowed to "roam and frighten wildlife aliases origin a nuisance".

The assembly recommended "significantly higher fines" for those caught doing nan incorrect thing, specifically successful instances of a canine attack.

In NSW, nan maximum good a assembly tin rumor is $330 for breaking off-leash stepping rules, while nan good for not picking up aft your canine is $275.

Waverley Council is besides considering making a change, arguing tougher penalties are needed, arsenic good arsenic advocating for canine owners to be pet ownership training classes.

Waverley Council said it and "a number of different councils successful Sydney" had besides made a submission to nan authorities connected nan animal companion legislation.

"The Waverley section area has precocious rates of pet ownership and Council values nan benefits to households and nan organization of pets.

"We promote responsible pet ownership to guarantee information and that everyone including our four-legged companions tin bask our parks and community.

"We convey nan immense mostly of pet owners who return awesome pridefulness successful their pets and are responsible."