The fine has increased significantly from $550 to $1320 under the new laws being phased in by the NSW Government to improve community safety around dogs and to create a disincentive to own dogs that are of a restricted breed or declared to be dangerous.

Under the new laws, any dog which is declared dangerous will require the dog owner to pay an annual fee of $195, should the owner wish to keep the dog. Cowra Council’s Director of Environmental Services, Kate Alberry, said the increased penalties have been introduced to encourage pet owners to be more responsible.

“If you own a dog you need to be aware of your responsibilities. We want every dog owner in the Cowra Shire to be aware of their responsibilities to ensure not only the welfare of the animal but also the safety of our community.

“Council has had 23 reported dog attack incidents since January this year.

There are currently 20 active dangerous dogs and 28 active menacing dogs registered in the Cowra Shire and Council remains proactive in its monitoring of these animals,” Ms Alberry said.

There have been a total of 31 changes to numerous Companion Animal related offences that range from failing to contain a dog on a lead, failing to register a dog, failing to change ownership of an animal at point of sale and a broad range of other common offences.

A full list of the changes can be viewed on the NSW Office of Local Government website (www.olg.nsw.gov.au) or at Council’s Customer Service Centre in Kendal Street.  

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