Townsville City Council is calling for greater responsibility from dog owners in response to concerning statistics about dog attacks in Queensland. A recent report from the Townsville Bulletin revealed that Queensland sees 19 dog attacks every day, a trend that has prompted local authorities to take action.
Councillor Brodie Phillips expressed alarm over the figures, emphasizing the negative impact of such incidents on both animals and humans. “These figures are absolutely alarming. Each attack represents harm or injury to someone, and this simply isn’t good enough,” said Cr Phillips.
The Council is urging dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously in order to reduce the risk of attacks. “Every dog owner must ensure their pet is secure at home with proper fencing and is always on a leash when out in public,” Cr Phillips added. “Pets are family members, and the last thing anyone wants is for their dog to harm a passerby, a child, or another animal.”
The Council also pointed out that dog owners whose pets are found to be out of control could face penalties under the state’s stricter animal control laws, including fines or the impoundment of the dog. These measures are preventable, Cr Phillips emphasized, by ensuring dogs are properly managed both at home and in public spaces.
The call for responsible pet ownership is part of a wider effort to protect both the community and the dogs themselves from unnecessary harm.
Related topics:
Tasmanian Government Seeks Public Input on Strengthening Dog Regulations
Dingoes and Domestic Dogs: A Shared Past, Diverging Evolutionary Paths
Williamstown Set to Host “Dog Day in Dog Town” Event
