Simple steps dog owners can take to minimise attacks

DOG attacks are very frightening for all involved.

They can cause serious injury to people and animals, and tragically, they can sometimes result in death.

Following a number of serious dog attacks in Queensland, the state government in April convened a special taskforce to look at proposed reforms.

These include the possibility of jail time for owners involved in the most serious dog attacks, on-the-spot fines for off-leash dogs, and a statewide ban on prohibited breeds. A paper detailing proposed changes will be prepared for public consultation.

In the meantime, there are simple steps dog owners can take to minimise the risk of being involved in an attack.

Council

Update your dog details

Now’s the time to update your dog registration details with Council to make sure you receive the right rego renewal notice and associated fee.

It’s important for Council to know if: n You have new contact details n You’ve moved out of or within the Cairns Local Government Area n Your pet has passed away n Your pet has been desexed n Your pet has completed Level 3 Obedience training n You are eligible for a concession card or aged pensioner discount.

You can update your details via Council’s website, by email to regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au or at any Customer Service Centre.

These include always supervising children around dogs, making sure there is secure fencing on the property, and using a lead in a public place.

If you are worried that a dog in your neighbourhood could attack someone, talk to the owner first to see if there is anything that can be done to reduce the threat.

If you are unable to resolve your concerns directly with the owner, you can try speaking to your local council.

If you have been involved in a dog attack, you should immediately report it to your local council.

Our population is growing. How do we balance growth with protecting what makes Cairns special as we head towards 2050?

Council is looking for 350 Cairns residents from all walks of life to form a Towards 2050 Community Panel. Members will share their views, test ideas and explore the issues around urban change and population growth.

Participants do not need any special qualifications, skills or knowledge, just a passion for Cairns and a willingness to participate.

Locals aged 16 or over, who are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, are invited to be part of the panel.

Sign up via the QR code (above right), visit www.sortitionfoundation.org/cairns, or call 1800 979 787. Registrations close 18 June.

This ensures the council can respond in a timely way to secure the dog, gather evidence and speak to those involved.

If it’s safe to do so, take photos of injuries and the incident. You should take notes of what occurred and any conversations.

Seek medical or veterinary care if needed, and keep any medical or veterinary reports and receipts.

If your dog attacks a person or another animal, you could be fined, your dog could be regulated as dangerous and subject to additional requirements like muzzling, or you may face legal action.

There are some defences available, for example if your dog’s conduct was a result of the dog being attacked, if it was trying to protect its owner, or if it is a working security dog.

If you are injured in a dog attack, the owner of the dog may be required to compensate you for any losses, including medi- cal expenses, loss of income, and ongoing trauma. For owners, standard pet insurance is unlikely to foot the bill for dog attacks, but some home and contents insurance policies will cover pet owners for dog attacks.

Kristyn Lennon is a Cairns-based lawyer who heads Maurice Blackburn’s Tablelands office. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you have a legal question you would like Kristyn to answer you can contact her at klennon@mauriceblackburn.com.au

Improvement works

Thursday 15 June.

Little Pease St, Manunda: Water main replacement from Monday 12 June.

For

Ironman road closures

Motorists are advised there will be changed road conditions associated with Cairns Ironman on Sunday 18 June

Notably, the Captain Cook Highway will be closed from Veivers Rd at Palm Cove, to Beor St at Craiglie from 5.30am to 5.30pm.

There will be other road closures and changed traffic conditions associated with the event. For full details go to www.ironman.com/im-cairns-course