Two dogs involved in a vicious attack in Yamba have been declared menacing, after Clarence Valley Council took action against their owner following the incident earlier this May.
A thorough investigation by council’s Public Spaces Compliance team led to both dogs being declared menacing under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
Under the law, a dog can be declared “menacing” if it shows unreasonable aggression to people or other animals, or attacks without serious injury. If declared, owners must keep the dog muzzled, on a leash, and pay annual permits.
Council has also issued fines exceeding $2,500 to the dogs’ owner over the attack.
Under the menacing dog declarations, the owner must now meet a range of strict requirements designed to protect public safety and stop the risk of it happening again.
The owner has accepted responsibility for the actions of the dogs and has been warned that failing to comply with the declarations could trigger further compliance action.
Council is reminding all dog owners of their responsibilities under the Companion Animals Act 1998, and is urging pet owners to keep their animals under control at all times.
Clarence Valley Council’s Manager Environment & Regulatory Services, Scott Lenton, said council takes its responsibilities under the legislation seriously and will continue to uphold the public interest when community safety is at risk.
“The safety of our community and responsible pet ownership are priorities for Council,” Mr Lenton said.
“When investigations identify breaches of legislation, Council will take appropriate and proportionate compliance action.
“Dog owners who fail to meet their responsibilities and place public safety at risk can expect respectful but assertive compliance action from Council’s Public Spaces Compliance team.”
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