Latest news with #CompanionAnimalsAct1998
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie councils push for tougher fines for millions of pet owners amid worrying trend
Major city councils are calling on the state government to implement much tougher pet laws, including higher fines and stronger enforcement powers, amid a rise in irresponsible owner behaviour and attacks from dogs. Over the last 20 years Randwick City Council, in Sydney's east, has reported a sharp rise in dog attacks, from 900 in 2004 to an incredible 5,000 last year. It said pet owners have also dropped the ball, with reports that many had stopped picking up after their dogs, while failing to monitor them adequately at off-leash parks, particularly around children and wildlife. In response, as part of the state government's review into the Companion Animals Act 1998, Randwick has asked the NSW government for higher fines and stronger penalties. "Randwick City Council is calling for tougher pet laws, stronger enforcement powers and better education," it stated in a council meeting in late May. The submission, endorsed by councillors, also recommends mandatory cat containment, more public education on responsible pet ownership, and expanded powers for councils to act on dangerous dogs and nuisance animals. Roaming domestic cats can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, hunting and killing birds, reptiles, and small mammals, even when they're well-fed at home. In NSW, dog owners can be fined up to $330 for walking their pet off-leash in areas where it's not permitted, and $275 for failing to clean up after their dog. While councils enforce these fines, they do not set them independently — the amounts are dictated by state legislation. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the law currently states that a dog that attacks another dog attracts the same fine as when it attacks a child. "Clearly, that's not right," he told 9News. "Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that's why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century." Adjacent council Waverley is also joining the campaign, reportedly calling on pet owners who break the rules to attend training courses. "We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone, including our four-legged companions, can enjoy our parks and community," it said. Yahoo News Australia has contacted Randwick and Waverley councils for comment. New rule change legalises common pet act in graveyards Inner city suburb terrorised by roaming dogs as locals report attacks Aussie's five-year legal battle with council over pet dogs With an estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs in NSW alone, responsible pet ownership is crucial to minimising their impact on local ecosystems, public spaces, and community safety, both councils say. Pet ownership nationally experienced a significant surge during and directly after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by lockdowns, remote work, and a collective search for companionship. Figures suggest households with pets rose from 61 per cent to 69 per cent. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
9 News
7 days ago
- Health
- 9 News
Councils want bigger fines for poor 'pet etiquette'
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Randwick City Council has submitted an application to the NSW government to review the Companion Animals Act 1998, saying they want bigger fines and harsher penalties for dog owners caught doing the wrong thing. The application refers to "irresponsible" dog owners, including actions like "off-leash dogs harassing children or wildlife" and "owners neglecting to pick up droppings." Two Sydney councils want stricter penalties for dog owners. (Getty) They say they've seen a significant increase in dog attacks, from 900 reported attacks in 2004 to over 5000 in 2024. "Submissions from our community highlight a need for clearer rules and etiquette to guide dog handling in shared spaces," the submission reads. "Key expectations include keeping dogs under control at all times, respecting other people and animals and cleaning up after pets. "Unfortunately, these common-sense practices are not universally observed." Cat owners aren't out of the woods either, with the application saying the council's goal is to "move toward a norm of responsible cat ownership" It says cats should not be allowed to "roam and threaten wildlife or cause a nuisance." The council recommended "significantly higher fines" for those caught doing the wrong thing, specifically in instances of a dog attack. In NSW, the maximum fine a council can issue is $330 for breaking off-leash walking rules, while the fine for not picking up after your dog is $275. Waverly Council is also considering making the change, arguing tougher penalties are needed, as well as advocating for dog owners to attend pet ownership training classes. has reached out to Waverly Council for comment. national New South Wales Sydney CONTACT US
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Inner city suburb terrorised by roaming dogs as locals report multiple attacks
Authorities are caught in a cat-and-mouse game with two reportedly roaming dogs in an inner city suburb after a string of attacks have left some residents living in fear. Numerous locals in the inner west suburb of Redfern, in Sydney, have expressed concern and shared stories this week as two dogs continue to "intimidate and attack" other dogs in the area, leaving pets in hospital. One parent told Yahoo News they are now reluctant to visit public parks in the area with their young son. Local Simon Hallgath-Jolly spotted the two dogs on Turner Street on Monday and told Yahoo a "yelp" from another dog notified him of their presence. "I saw those two dogs standing over a little black and white dog which I know lives behind the block of units... she was lying motionless on the ground," Simon said. "When the dogs saw me and looked up, they just started running towards me." Simon didn't feel his own safety was at risk but was still compelled to "run around the corner" after hearing reports that these dogs have been responsible for a number of dog attacks in the area over the last few months. It's unclear exactly how many dogs have been attacked but at least five dog owners claimed their pets have been set upon by the dogs since December when Simon shared a photo of the animals online. It's believed the black and white dog was "playing dead" on Monday and was later taken to a vet where "two big bites" were found on its body. The owner of the black and white dog, Leanne Jamieson, told Yahoo News she "prays they don't hurt anyone else or any other dogs". Her dog Bella will likely make a full recovery, she said. The dogs now have an infamous reputation in the area and have been dubbed the "killer dogs", however there is no evidence the animals have killed any other pets. Police and the City of Sydney council are aware of the situation but authorities have fallen short on catching the dogs or identifying the owner. "About 3pm [on Monday], police were called to Redfern Oval following reports of an animal complaint," a NSW police spokesperson told Yahoo News. "[Officers] were told two dogs had attacked multiple other dogs. Police conducted patrols of the area, however, they were unable to locate any evidence of a dog attack at the time." 🐶 Aussie vet's stark warning to pet owners after 'terrifying' spike in cases 😲 Aussies warned after dog owner's deadly discovery leads to $1,700 bill 😔 Hidden detail in dog photo leaves family facing $10k daily vet bill The local council also received a complaint regarding the dogs and are investigating the issue. "When we receive reports of stray or roaming dogs, rangers will try to locate the animals and identify their owners," a council spokesperson said. The NSW state government is currently reviewing the Companion Animals Act 1998 – legislation that outlines the rules and requirements of pet ownership in the state – and part of the review is looking at implementing recommendations from the coronial inquest into dog attacks. Data from the state government agency revealed dog attacks increased from fewer than 900 incidents in 2004 to more than 5,000 in 2024, the ABC reported last month. During that time, the number of pets in the state more than doubled to 4.7 million. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Millions of pet owners urged to do one thing as major change looms for households
There is just over a week remaining for millions of pet owners to have their say on laws that impact them, as several organisations band together to urge changes to cat ownership rules to prevent the domestic animals killing wildlife. Potential changes could see homeowners forced to overhaul their homes and habits if they own a cat. The NSW government is reviewing the Companion Animals Act 1998 — legislation that outlines the rules and requirements of pet ownership in the state, as well as penalties for not abiding by them. Wildlife charities such as the Biodiversity Council, Nature Conservation Council and the Invasive Species Council (ISC) are unanimous on their stance that cats should not be allowed to roam outdoors in NSW. "Hundreds of thousands of roaming pet cats are sending our suburbs silent but, unlike in almost every other state, NSW councils cannot implement basic cat curfews due to barriers in archaic state laws," Jack Gough from the ISC told Yahoo News. The ISC is encouraging Aussies to provide feedback in a similar vain to the public inquiry and the hope is the Companion Animals Act 1998 will be amended to stop cats from roaming outdoors, at the very least during the night. "This inquiry brings with it a real opportunity to get serious about protecting our wildlife from one of the biggest drivers of extinction in this country," Gough said. The last day for submissions into the public injury is May 4. In Sydney and around Australia, 70 per cent of cat owners allow their cats outdoors and this has devastating consequences to wildlife. In Sydney alone, an estimated 66 million native animals are killed by roaming cats every year and the national figure is extraordinary at 323 million. There has long been calls for tougher restrictions on cat ownership to curb this issue and while many other states and territories have introduced rules, legislation in NSW currently doesn't allow councils to do so. "Councils across the state are crying out for this amendment so they can protect their local bushland from the enormous impacts of roaming pet cats," Gough said. "This is a stark contrast to the ACT which requires residents to contain their cats, or Victoria where over 50 per cent of councils have introduced cat containment laws. "Owning a pet cat should come with clear responsibilities to ensure your pet is not roaming around killing our native birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs." 🐱 Teacher's incredible reunion with cat missing for more than two years 😔 Homeowner's garden photo highlights 'devastating' problem 👀 Little-known $1,650 fine Aussies can cop without realising Advocates pushing for cats to remain indoors say it's a win-win proposal as it protects wildlife but also increases the average lifespan of a cat as those who stay indoors are estimated to live 10 years longer than those who roam, according to the Cat Protection Society of NSW. "A cat kept safely at home will live a longer life, pick up less diseases and is less likely to get injured in car accidents, dog attacks or cat fights, and they have far fewer vet bills," Gough said. While the precise number of pet cats in the state is unclear, there are more than 4.7 million dogs and cats kept as pets in NSW. The review will also look at implementing recommendations from the coronial inquest into dog attacks. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
