Home Australia Horrific fatal mauling of baby boy could change pet ownership in Australia forever

Horrific fatal mauling of baby boy could change pet ownership in Australia forever

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NSW dog owners could face tougher penalties if their dog attacks or hurts someone

Dog ownership in Australia could soon be subject to new laws, including a license required to own pets, and the issue is set to be reviewed following a series of dog attacks.

Owners in New South Wales could also face tougher penalties if their dog attacks and hurts someone, and if they ignore warnings about how the dog should be kept.

People who own a dog for security reasons could also be affected by the proposal to remove legislation that exempts owners from liability if their dog attacks an intruder.

Coroners in New South Wales have been conducting a series of investigations into fatal dog attacks.

Presenting her findings on Friday following an inquest into the July 2021 death of a five-week-old baby at a Central Coast home, deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes said there had been a worrying number of fatal dog attacks in the state since 2009.

The mother had been holding the baby in a rocking chair, fell asleep, and woke up to find the baby on the floor of her bedroom suffering from fatal puncture wounds.

Like many others, the attack involved an American Staffordshire terrier, which is not currently a restricted breed, although the city council had decided to apply for it to be listed as such months earlier.

Race had the highest incidence of attacks in local government data from 2018 to 2021, according to the research.

NSW dog owners could face tougher penalties if their dog attacks or hurts someone

The dog was purchased from a breeder advertising on online marketplaces, who did not provide any documentation regarding the dog’s breed and who was also not microchipped.

The animal has since been euthanized.

The “tragic and untimely death” demonstrated the need to review and modify pet ownership laws, Forbes said.

It made a series of recommendations that, along with other research, will inform an upcoming review of state pet laws.

Recommendations include consideration of a possible licensing system, increased penalties and more responsibility (and obligations) for owners.

“The regulatory regime as it stands is not effective in minimizing the risk of serious or fatal dog attacks,” Ms Forbes said.

Existing penalties were also too low to deter non-compliance with the laws, he said.

Under Queensland laws introduced in 2024, a dog owner who kills or seriously injures someone can be fined more than $100,000 or face three years in prison.

Forbes said more public education is also needed about the risks dogs pose, how to select an appropriate breed and how to interact with, care for, train and socialize them.

American Staffordshire Terriers have been involved in the highest number of dog attacks in New South Wales.

American Staffordshire Terriers have been involved in the highest number of dog attacks in New South Wales.

The coroner recommended considering licensing dog owners, which could require them to complete a safety program, while specific breeds could require an additional license.

Owners could also be required to prove they are suitable to own certain types of dogs.

Reviews of sections of laws that may limit the ability of council officers to impose restrictions on a dog have also been recommended.

Forbes acknowledged that some might find new regulations on dog ownership onerous.

“Any disadvantage is outweighed by saving lives and preventing injuries,” he said.

If changes are made, it will not be until after the review of the state’s pet laws, which will take place after the current investigations into dog attacks and a parliamentary inquiry are completed.

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