Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (ACT)

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Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Act 2017

A2017-46

Contents

Page

Part 1      Preliminary

1            Name of Act  2

2            Commencement  2

3            Legislation amended  2

Part 2Domestic Animals Act 2000

4Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Section 4A, note 1  3

5            Section 4A, note 1, new dot points  3

6            Section 4A, note 1  3

7           Section 4A, note 1  4

8            Section 4A, note 1, new dot points  4

9            New section 4B  4

10          Section 7  5

11          Section 11 heading  5

12          Section 11 (1) (b)  6

13          Section 11 (3)  6

14          Section 11 (4)  6

15          Change of keeperSection 12 (1) and (2), penalty  6

16          Section 13  6

17          Unregistered dogsSection 14 (1), penalty  7

18          Tag offencesSection 15  7

19          Evidence of registration or non-registrationSection 17 (1)  7

20          Section 18  8

21          Multiple dog licences—approval or refusalSection 20 (1)  9

22          New section 20 (2) (d)  9

23          New section 20 (3) (g)  9

24          Multiple dog licences—conditionsNew section 21 (2) (d)  9

25          New section 21 (5)  9

26          Declarations—dangerous dogsSection 22 (1) (a)  10

27          Declarations—dangerous dogsNew section 22 (1) (aa)  10

28          Section 22 (2)  10

29          Licensing of keepers of dangerous dogsSection 23 (1), penalty  10

30          Dangerous dog licences—applicationsNew section 24 (3) and (4)  11

31          Dangerous dog licences—approval or refusalNew section 25 (1A)  11

32          Section 25 (2) (f)  12

33          Section 25 (3)  12

34          Dangerous dog licences—conditionsNew section 26 (1A)  12

35          Section 26 (2) (b)  12

36          Section 26 (2) (c)  13

37          Dangerous dogs in public placesSection 27 (1) and (2), penalty  13

38          Section 28  13

39          Special licences—renewalsSection 32 (2)  14

40          Variation of special licencesSection 33 (3) (c)  15

41          Section 33 (7)  15

42          Cancellation of special licencesSection 36 (1)  16

43          Section 36 (2) (c)  16

44          Prohibited areasSection 42 (1), penalty  17

45          Section 42 (2), (3) and (4), penalty  17

46          Section 44  17

47          Dogs on private premises to be restrainedSection 45 (1) and (3), penalty  18

48          Section 45 (5), penalty  19

49          Removal of faecesSection 46 (2), penalty  19

50          Female dogs on heatSection 47 (1), penalty  19

51          Division 2.6 heading  19

52          Dog attacks or harasses person or animalSection 49A (4) (c)  20

53          Section 49A (5) and note  20

54          Dog attacks person or animal causing serious injurySection 50 (1) (e) and (2) (e)  21

55          Section 50 (3) (c)  21

56          Section 50 (4), (5) and (6)  21

57          Dangerous dog attacks or harasses person or animalSection 50A (2) (e)  22

58          Section 50A (3) (c)  23

59          Section 50A (4), (5) and (6)  23

60          New section 50B  23

61          New section 51A  24

62          Costs of impounding dogsSection 52 (3)  24

63          New sections 53A to 53E  24

64          Inspection of attacking or harassing dogsSection 54  29

65          New section 55B  29

66          Seizure of dogs—generalNew section 56 (aa) and (ab)  30

67          Section 56 (b)  30

68          Section 56 (f) and (g)  30

69          New section 56 (2) and (3)  30

70          New section 56A  31

71          Seizure—dangerous dogsSection 57  32

72          Section 58  32

73          Sections 59 and 60  33

74          Information to be given in notice of dog’s seizureSection 61  34

75          Releasing dogs seized under general seizure powerSection 62 (2) (d)  35

76          New section 62 (2) (g) and (h)  35

77          Section 62 (3) (a)  35

78          Section 62 (3) (c)  35

79          New section 62 (4)  36

80          Section 63 heading  36

81          Section 63 (1) and note  36

82          Section 63 (2) (d)  36

83          Section 63 (2) (e)  36

84          Section 63 (2) (f)  37

85          New section 63 (2) (i) and (j)  37

86          Section 63 (2), note  37

87          Section 63 (3) (a)  37

88          Section 63 (3) (c)  37

89          New section 63 (4)  38

90          Releasing dogs seized under attacking and harassing powerSection 64 (1)  38

91          New section 64 (2) (g) and (h)  38

92          Section 64 (3) (a)  38

93          Section 64 (3) (c)  39

94          New section 64 (4)  39

95          Section 65  39

96          New section 65A  40

97          Section 66 heading  41

98          Section 66 (1) and note  41

99          Section 66 (2) (c)  41

100         Selling or destroying dogs (other than dangerous dogs) seized under multiple dog licence powerSection 67 (2) (c)  42

101         New section 67A  42

102         Selling or destroying dangerous dogs generallySection 68 (2) (c)  43

103         New section 68A  43

104         Relinquishing ownership of dogsSection 69 (1)  44

105         Returning seized dog to its keeperSection 70 (4)  45

106         Offence—breeding dogs or cats without licenceSection 72 (1) (b)  45

107         Breeding licence—approval or refusalSection 72B (2)  45

108         New section 72B (3) (g)  46

109         Section 72C  46

110         Breeding licence—conditionsNew section 72E (1A)  46

111         Breeding licence—cancellationSection 72G (1)  46

112         Section 72K  47

113         Offence—surrender of breeding licenceSection 72L  48

114         Dogs and cats to be de-sexed if over certain ageNew section 74 (5) (c)  48

115         Section 74A  48

116         Approval or refusal of applicationsSection 76 (2)  49

117         Term of permitsSection 78  49

118         Production of permitsSection 79 (1)  50

119         Identification of dogs and cats—requirementSection 84 (1) and (2), penalty  50

120         Section 109  50

121         Offence of animal nuisanceSection 110 (1), penalty  51

122         Complaints about animal nuisanceSection 111 (2)  51

123         Issue of nuisance noticesSection 112 (1)  52

124         Section 112 (1) (b)  52

125         Section 112 (4) (a) (ii)  52

126         Sections 114, 114A and 114B  52

127         Destruction of vicious animalsSection 116 (1)  54

128         Section 116 (2)  54

129         Sections 128, 129 and 130  55

130         Inspection of premisesSection 131  56

131         Consent to entrySection 132 (1)  56

132         Section 132 (4) and (5)  57

133         Search warrantsSection 133 (6), definition of related thing, paragraph (b)  57

134         Power to require name and addressSection 134 (3), penalty  57

135         New section 134A  57

136         Dishonoured cheques and credit transactionsSection 142  58

137         Transitional provisionsPart 11  58

138         Dictionary, note 2  58

139         Dictionary, new definition of control order  59

140         Dictionary, definition of registration tag  59

141         Dictionary, new definition of sell  59

142         Dictionary, new definition of serious injury  60

Part 3Domestic Animals Regulation 2001

143         Dog registration information—Act, s 8New section 5 (ca)  61

144         Information on dog registration certificates—Act s 11 (2)New section 6 (aa)  61

145         Requirement to be licensedSection 6A  61

146         How dogs must be identified—Act, s 83Section 7 (6)  61

147         Reviewable decisionsSchedule 1, new item 1A  62

148         Schedule 1, new items 11A to 11D  62

149         Schedule 1, new items 13A and 13B  62

150         Schedule 1, item 28, column 2  62

151         Dictionary, note 3  62

Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Act 2017

A2017-46

An Act to amend legislation about dangerous dogs

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as follows:

Part 1Preliminary

  1. Name of Act

    This Act is the Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Act 2017.

  2. Commencement

    This Act commences on the day after its notification day.

    NoteThe naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).

  3. Legislation amended

    This Act amends the Domestic Animals Act 2000 and the Domestic Animals Regulation 2001.

Part 2Domestic Animals Act 2000

  1. Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
    Section 4A, note 1

    omit

    ·     s 15 (Tag offences)

  2. Section 4A, note 1, new dot points

    insert

    ·     s 18 (Requirement to be licensed if multiple dogs)

    ·     s 21 (5) (Multiple dog licences—conditions)

    ·     s 28 (Signs on premises about dangerous dogs)

    ·     s 44 (Dogs in public places must be controlled)

    ·     s 50B (Obligations of keeper or carer if dog attacks)

    ·     s 51A (Provoking dog to attack)

    ·     s 53E (Offence—failure to comply with control order)

    ·     s 56A (5) (Seizure of dogs—investigation of complaints about attacking, harassing or menacing dogs)

    ·     s 60 (5) (Impounding of dogs seized)

  3. Section 4A, note 1

    omit

    ·     s 72K (Offence—advertising requirements)

    substitute

    ·     s 72K (Offence—selling and advertising requirements)

  4. Section 4A, note 1

    omit

    ·     s 74A (Sale of older dogs and cats to be notified if not de-sexed)

    substitute

    ·     s 74A (Sale of older dogs and cats not de-sexed)

  5. Section 4A, note 1, new dot points

    insert

    ·     s 79 (Production of permits)

    ·     s 134A (2) (Inspection of animals)

  6. New section 4B

    in part 1, insert

4BCriteria for considering responsible dog or cat management, care or control

For this Act, the registrar in considering whether a person has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog or cat management, care or control—

(a)must consider—

(i)any conviction or finding of guilt of the person within the last 10 years against a law of a Territory or State for an offence relating to the welfare, keeping or control of an animal; and

(ii)any non-compliance with—

(A)a special licence held by the person; or

(B)a control order issued to the person; and

(b)may consider any other relevant matter.

  1. Section 7

    substitute

  2. Registration—approval or refusal

    (1)If an application for registration has been made in accordance with section 6, the registrar must, by written notice to the applicant—

    (a)register the dog; or

    (b)refuse to register the dog.

    (2)For subsection (1) (b), the registrar—

    (a)must refuse to register the dog if the applicant is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; or

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (b)may refuse to register the dog if—

    (i)the dog is not implanted with an identifying microchip as required under this Act; or

    (ii)the dog is not de-sexed as required under this Act; or

    (iii)the registrar reasonably believes that the applicant has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control.

  3. Section 11 heading

    substitute

  4. Registration numbers and certificates

  5. Section 11 (1) (b)

    omit

    and registration tag

  6. Section 11 (3)

    omit

  7. Section 11 (4)

    omit

    or tag

  8. Change of keeper
    Section 12 (1) and (2), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    10 penalty units

  9. Section 13

    substitute

  10. Registration—cancellation

    (1)The registrar must cancel the registration of a dog if—

    (a)the keeper of the dog tells the registrar in writing that the dog has died; or

    (b)the dog is destroyed under this Act; or

    (c)the keeper of the dog is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal.

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (2)The registrar may cancel the registration of a dog if—

    (a)the keeper of the dog tells the registrar in writing that the person is no longer the owner of the dog; or

    (b)the registrar reasonably believes that the dog’s keeper has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control.

  11. Unregistered dogs
    Section 14 (1), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  12. Tag offences
    Section 15

    omit

  13. Evidence of registration or non-registration
    Section 17 (1)

    omit

    (Registration numbers, certificates and tags)

    substitute

    (Registration numbers and certificates)

  14. Section 18

    substitute

  15. Requirement to be licensed if multiple dogs

    (1)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)the person keeps a dog on residential premises; and

    (b)3 or more other dogs are kept on the premises by the person or another person; and

    (c)there is no multiple dog licence held by any person to keep the dogs on the premises.

    Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

    (2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

    (3)Subsection (1) does not apply to—

    (a)a dog under 84 days old if the person holds a breeding licence; or

    (b)a dog kept by the person for less than 28 days; or

    (c)a person resident in the ACT for less than 28 days; or

    (d)a dog kept on land that is under a lease granted for agricultural or grazing purposes; or

    (e)a dog kept on land that is under a lease that allows for an animal care facility.

    NoteThe defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (3) (see Criminal Code, s 58).

  16. Multiple dog licences—approval or refusal
    Section 20 (1)

    omit

    section 18 (Requirement to be licensed)

    substitute

    section 19

  17. New section 20 (2) (d)

    insert

    (d)the applicant is able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control.

  18. New section 20 (3) (g)

    insert

    (g)the safety of the public and other animals.

  19. Multiple dog licences—conditions
    New section 21 (2) (d)

    insert

    (d)the safety of the public and other animals.

  20. New section 21 (5)

    insert

    (5)A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a condition of a multiple dog licence.

    Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  21. Declarations—dangerous dogs
    Section 22 (1) (a)

    omit

    other than residential premises

  22. Declarations—dangerous dogs
    New section 22 (1) (aa)

    insert

    (aa)the dog has attacked and caused the death of or serious injury to a person; or

  23. Section 22 (2)

    substitute

    (2)The registrar may declare a dog to be a dangerous dog if—

    (a)the dog has attacked or harassed a person or animal; or

    (b)the registrar reasonably believes the dog—

    (i)is aggressive or menacing; and

    (ii)without being kept in accordance with a dangerous dog licence, would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals.

  24. Licensing of keepers of dangerous dogs
    Section 23 (1), penalty

    omit

    50 penalty units

    substitute

    100 penalty units

  25. Dangerous dog licences—applications
    New section 24 (3) and (4)

    insert

    (3)The registrar may waive any application fee for a licence to keep a dangerous dog if reasonably satisfied—

    (a)the dog was declared to be a dangerous dog only for the reason mentioned in section 22 (1) (a); and

    (b)if the dog is kept in accordance with a dangerous dog licence, it will not be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public and other animals.

    (4)A fee determined under section 144 for an application for a licence to keep a dangerous dog declared under section 22 (1) (aa) or (b) or section 22 (2) must be at least 10 times the application fee (if any) for registration of a dog under section 6.

  26. Dangerous dog licences—approval or refusal
    New section 25 (1A)

    insert

    (1A)The registrar—

    (a)must refuse to approve the issue of a licence if—

    (i)the applicant is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; or

    (ii)the dog is not implanted with an identifying microchip as required under this Act; or

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (b)may refuse to approve the issue of a licence if the registrar reasonably believes—

    (i)there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the licence were issued; or

    (ii)the applicant has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control.

  27. Section 25 (2) (f)

    substitute

    (f)the safety of the public and other animals.

  28. Section 25 (3)

    omit

  29. Dangerous dog licences—conditions
    New section 26 (1A)

    insert

    (1A)In making a decision whether or not to impose a condition on a dangerous dog licence, the registrar must consider the safety of the public and other animals.

  30. Section 26 (2) (b)

    substitute

    (b)requirements about the dog leaving the premises;

  31. Section 26 (2) (c)

    omit

    an approved course

    substitute

    a course approved in writing by the registrar

  32. Dangerous dogs in public places
    Section 27 (1) and (2), penalty

    omit

    10 penalty units

    substitute

    20 penalty units

  33. Section 28

    substitute

  34. Signs on premises about dangerous dogs

    (1)The keeper of a dangerous dog must ensure that a warning sign is displayed on all gates and doors at the premises where the dog is kept so that it can be readily seen by a person about to enter the premises through any gate or door.

    Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.

    (2)In this section:

    door, of a premises, means any door that a visitor to the premises would ordinarily be expected to use to enter the premises.

    warning sign, for premises, means—

    (a)a sign warning people entering the premises that a dangerous dog is on the premises; or

    (b)if a regulation prescribes requirements for a sign—a sign that is in accordance with the requirements.

  35. Special licences—renewals
    Section 32 (2)

    substitute

    (2)The registrar—

    (a)must refuse to renew the licence if the holder is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; or

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (b)may refuse to renew the licence if the registrar reasonably believes—

    (i)there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public and other animals if the licence were renewed; or

    (ii)the holder has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control.

    (3)In making a decision under this section, the registrar—

    (a)must consider any matter the registrar was required to consider when deciding whether or not to issue the original licence; and

    (b)may consider any other relevant matter.

    (4)The registrar may waive any application fee to renew a dangerous dog licence if reasonably satisfied—

    (a)the dog was declared to be a dangerous dog only for the reason mentioned in section 22 (1) (a); and

    (b)if the dog is kept in accordance with a dangerous dog licence—it will not be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public and other animals.

    (5)A fee determined under section 144 for an application to renew a licence to keep a dangerous dog declared under section 22 (1) (aa) or (b) or section 22 (2) must be at least 10 times the application fee (if any) for registration of a dog under section 6.

  36. Variation of special licences
    Section 33 (3) (c)

    omit

    14 days

    substitute

    7 days

  37. Section 33 (7)

    substitute

    (7)The registrar must refuse to vary—

    (a)a multiple dog licence if the registrar would be obliged under section 20 (2) to refuse to issue the licence as varied; or

    (b)a dangerous dog licence if the registrar would be obliged under section 25 (1A) to refuse to issue the licence as varied.

  38. Cancellation of special licences
    Section 36 (1)

    substitute

    (1)The registrar—

    (a)must cancel a special licence if the licensee is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; or

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (b)may cancel a special licence if—

    (i)the registrar becomes aware of circumstances that, if the registrar had been aware of them at the time of the application for the licence, would have resulted in the application being refused; or

    (ii)the licensee contravenes a condition of the licence; or

    (iii)the licence was obtained by a false or misleading statement; or

    (iv)the registrar reasonably believes there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the licence were not cancelled; or

    (v)the registrar reasonably believes that the licensee has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control.

  1. Section 36 (2) (c)

    omit

    14 days

    substitute

    7 days

  2. Prohibited areas
    Section 42 (1), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  3. Section 42 (2), (3) and (4), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    10 penalty units

  4. Section 44

    substitute

  5. Dogs in public places must be controlled

    (1)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)the person is the keeper or carer of a dog; and

    (b)the person is with the dog in a public place; and

    (c)the dog is not restrained by a leash.

    Maximum penalty:  15 penalty units.

    (2)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)the person is the keeper or carer of a dog; and

    (b)the person is with the dog in a public place; and

    (c)the dog is not under the effective control of the person.

    Maximum penalty:  15 penalty units.

    (3)The keeper of a dog commits an offence if the dog—

    (a)is in a public place; and

    (b)is not with a carer.

    Maximum penalty:  15 penalty units.

    (4)Subsection (1) does not apply to a dog that is under the control of a person and is—

    (a)in an exercise area declared under section 40 (Declaration—exercise areas); or

    (b)a working dog working livestock; or

    (c)taking part in—

    (i)a dog show, field trial or obedience trial; or

    (ii)a dramatic performance or other entertainment.

    (5)In a prosecution for an offence against subsection (3), it is a defence if the defendant proves that the defendant took reasonable steps to prevent a contravention of the subsection.

  6. Dogs on private premises to be restrained
    Section 45 (1) and (3), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    10 penalty units

  7. Section 45 (5), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  8. Removal of faeces
    Section 46 (2), penalty

    omit

    1 penalty unit

    substitute

    5 penalty units

  9. Female dogs on heat
    Section 47 (1), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  10. Division 2.6 heading

    substitute

Division 2.6               Attacking, harassing and menacing dogs

  1. Dog attacks or harasses person or animal
    Section 49A (4) (c)

    after

    person

    insert

    or animal

  2. Section 49A (5) and note

    substitute

    (5)Also, it is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) if the defendant proves that—

    (a)the defendant asked or told another person to be the carer for the dog; and

    (b)that person was, at the time of the offence, the carer for the dog; and

    (c)the defendant had taken reasonable measures to ensure that the carer was able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control of the dog.

    Examples—par (c)

    ·telling the carer about the dog, including about any control order or nuisance notice

    ·ensuring the carer was experienced enough and physically able to manage, care and control the dog

    ·ensuring the carer had a leash and secure premises for the dog

    Note 1The defendant has a legal burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (4) and s (5) (see Criminal Code, s 59).

    Note 2An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).

    (6)If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence against this section, the court may—

    (a)order that the dog be destroyed; or

    (b)make any other order the court considers necessary to ensure the safety of the public and other animals.

  3. Dog attacks person or animal causing serious injury
    Section 50 (1) (e) and (2) (e)

    after

    reckless

    insert

    or negligent

  4. Section 50 (3) (c)

    after

    person

    insert

    or animal

  5. Section 50 (4), (5) and (6)

    substitute

    (4)Also, it is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) if the defendant proves that—

    (a)the defendant asked or told another person to be the carer for the dog; and

    (b)the person was, at the time of the offence, the carer for the dog; and

    (c)the defendant had taken reasonable measures to ensure that the carer was able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control of the dog.

    Examples—par (c)

    ·telling the carer about the dog including about any control order or nuisance notice

    ·ensuring the carer was experienced enough and physically able to manage, care and control the dog

    ·ensuring the carer had a leash and secure premises for the dog

    Note 1The defendant has a legal burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (3) and s (4) (see Criminal Code, s 59).

    Note 2An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).

    (5)If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence against this section, the court may—

    (a)order that the dog be destroyed; or

    (b)make any other order the court considers necessary to ensure the safety of the public and other animals.

  6. Dangerous dog attacks or harasses person or animal
    Section 50A (2) (e)

    after

    reckless

    insert

    or negligent

  7. Section 50A (3) (c)

    after

    person

    insert

    or animal

  8. Section 50A (4), (5) and (6)

    substitute

    (4)If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence against this section, the court may—

    (a)order that the dog be destroyed; or

    (b)make any other order the court considers necessary to ensure the safety of the public.

  9. New section 50B

    insert

50BObligations of keeper or carer if dog attacks

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a keeper or carer of a dog is with the dog; and

(b)the dog attacks a person or a person’s animal (the affected person).

(2)The keeper or carer must, if asked by the affected person, give the affected person—

(a)reasonable assistance as requested; and

(b)the keeper or carer’s name, address and contact details.

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

(3)If the attack caused serious injury to a person or animal, the keeper or carer must tell the registrar about the attack as soon as practicable after the attack.

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  1. New section 51A

    insert

51AProvoking dog to attack

A person commits an offence if—

(a)the person provokes a dog; and

(b)the provocation caused the dog to attack the person, another person or an animal.

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  1. Costs of impounding dogs
    Section 52 (3)

    omit

  2. New sections 53A to 53E

    insert

53AComplaints about attacking, harassing or menacing dogs

(1)A person may complain in writing to the registrar about a dog if the dog—

(a)attacked or harassed a person or an animal; or

(b)is aggressive or menacing.

(2)The registrar—

(a)must investigate the complaint if it is about an attack that caused the death of, or serious injury to, a person; and

(b)in any other case—may investigate the complaint.

NoteThe dog may be seized and impounded by an authorised person until the end of the investigation (see s 56A).

(3)The registrar must tell the complainant in writing—

(a)whether or not the registrar investigated the complaint; and

(b)if an investigation was conducted—the outcome of the investigation.

(4)The registrar may make guidelines about how the registrar investigates complaints.

(5)A guideline is a notifiable instrument.

NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.

53BDealing with attacking dogs—death or serious injury to person or death of animal

(1)This section applies if the registrar is reasonably satisfied, because of a complaint or otherwise, that—

(a)a dog attacked a person or an animal; and

(b)the attack caused—

(i)the death of the person; or

(ii)serious injury to the person; or

(iii)the death of the animal.

(2)The registrar must destroy the dog.

(3)However, subsection (2) does not apply if, and only if, the registrar is reasonably satisfied the dog is not likely to be a danger to the public or another animal.

(4)For subsection (3), the registrar may consider—

(a)the circumstances of the attack including whether—

(i)the person or animal provoked the dog; or

(ii)the person or animal was attacked because the dog came to the aid of a person or animal the dog could be expected to protect; or

(iii)if the attack was on premises occupied by the keeper of the dog—the person or animal was on the premises without lawful excuse; and

(b)whether reasonable steps can be taken to reduce the risk of the dog endangering the public and other animals; and

(c)any other relevant matter.

(5)The registrar may destroy the dog if—

(a)the registrar gives the dog’s keeper written notice of the decision to destroy the dog; and

(b)the dog’s keeper—

(i)does not, within 7 days after the day the notice is given (the application period), apply to the ACAT under section 120 for review of the decision; or

(ii)applies to the ACAT under section 120 for review of the decision within the application period and the registrar’s decision to destroy the dog is confirmed.

(6)If the registrar decides not to destroy the dog, the registrar may issue a control order for the dog to the dog’s keeper.

Note 1The registrar may declare a dog to be a dangerous dog if the dog attacked a person or animal—see s 22 (2).

Note 2The registrar must give a reviewable decision notice for s (2) and s (6) to the keeper and must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see s 119 and ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).

53CDealing with attacking, harassing or menacing dogs generally

(1)This section applies if the registrar is reasonably satisfied, because of a complaint or otherwise, that a dog—

(a)attacked a person or an animal and the attack caused—

(i)an injury (other than a serious injury) to the person; or

(ii)serious injury to the animal; or

(b)harassed a person or an animal; or

(c)is aggressive or menacing. 

(2)The registrar may decide to destroy the dog.

(3)In making a decision under subsection (2), the registrar—

(a)must consider—

(i)the safety of the public and other animals; and

(ii)if the dog attacked a person or animal—the circumstances of the attack including whether—

(A)the person or animal provoked the dog; or

(B)the person or animal was attacked because the dog came to the aid of a person or animal the dog could be expected to protect; or

(C)if the attack was on premises occupied by the keeper of the dog—the person or animal was on the premises without lawful excuse; and

(b)may consider any other relevant matter.

(4)If the registrar decides not to destroy the dog, the registrar may issue a control order for the dog to the dog’s keeper.

Note 1The registrar may declare a dog to be a dangerous dog if the dog attacked a person or animal—see s 22 (2).

Note 2The registrar must give a reviewable decision notice for s (2) and s (4) to the keeper and must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see s 119 and ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).

53DRevocation of control order

(1)The registrar may revoke a control order if reasonably satisfied, after carrying out an inspection, that—

(a)the order has been complied with; and

(b)adequate steps have been taken so that there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public from the control order being revoked.

(2)The registrar must give written notice of the revocation, and a statement of reasons for the revocation, to each person to whom notice of the control order was given.

53EOffence—failure to comply with control order

A person commits an offence if the person—

(a)is a keeper of a dog; and

(b)is issued with a control order in relation to the dog; and

(c)does not comply with the control order.

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  1. Inspection of attacking or harassing dogs
    Section 54

    omit

  2. New section 55B

    in division 2.6, insert

55BNotice to affected neighbours

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a dog is declared to be a dangerous dog; or

(b)a control order is issued to a keeper of a dog; or

(c)a nuisance notice is issued to a keeper of a dog.

(2)The registrar may, if the registrar thinks it is in the interest of the safety of the public and other animals to do so, give notice of the dangerous dog declaration, control order or nuisance notice to people occupying property adjacent or nearby to premises where the dog is kept.

  1. Seizure of dogs—general
    New section 56 (aa) and (ab)

    before paragraph (a), insert

    (aa)the dog is not registered under section 7; or

    (ab)the dog is not identified by implanted microchip as required under this Act; or

  2. Section 56 (b)

    omit

    (Dogs in public places to be restrained)

    substitute

    (Dogs in public places must be controlled)

  3. Section 56 (f) and (g)

    substitute

    (f)the keeper or carer fails to give an authorised person the person’s name and address if required by the authorised person under section 134.

  4. New section 56 (2) and (3)

    insert

    (2)Also, an authorised person may seize a dog if—

    (a)the registrar refuses to register the dog under section 7 (1) (b); or

    (b)the dog’s registration is cancelled under section 13 (1) (c) or (2) (b); or

    (c)the keeper has not complied with a control order issued to the keeper in relation to the dog; or

    (d)the keeper breeds a litter from the dog without a breeding licence; or

    (e)the dog is at least 6 months old and not de-sexed and the keeper does not hold a permit under part 3 for the dog; or

    (f)the authorised person reasonably believes that—

    (i)the keeper or carer of the dog is not demonstrating responsible dog management, care or control in relation to the dog; or

    (ii)the safety of the public or other animals are at risk because of the keeper or carer’s actions.

    (3)If subsection (2) (d) applies, the authorised person may seize the parent dogs and pups.

  5. New section 56A

    insert

56ASeizure of dogs—investigation of complaints about attacking, harassing or menacing dogs

(1)This section applies if the registrar investigates a complaint about a dog under section 53A (Complaints about attacking, harassing or menacing dogs).

(2)An authorised person—

(a)must seize the dog if the complaint is that—

(i)the dog attacked the complainant or another person; and

(ii)the attack caused the death of or serious injury to a person; or

(b)in any other case—may seize the dog.

(3)If an authorised person seizes a dog, the authorised person must—

(a)impound the dog on Territory premises until the investigation is completed; or

(b)if the authorised person is reasonably satisfied that the dog can be kept by the keeper on suitable and secure premises—impound the dog by directing the keeper orally, or in writing, to keep the dog on the premises in accordance with any stated conditions until the investigation is completed.

(4)If the authorised person gives an oral direction under subsection (3) (b), the authorised person must confirm the direction in writing as soon as practicable.

(5)A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a direction under subsection (3) (b).

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  1. Seizure—dangerous dogs
    Section 57

    omit

    may

    substitute

    must

  2. Section 58

    substitute

  3. Seizure—multiple dog licence

    An authorised person may seize a dog if—

    (a)the dog is being kept in contravention of section 18 (Requirement to be licensed if multiple dogs); or

    (b)the dog’s keeper has not complied with a condition of a multiple dog licence held by the keeper in relation to the dog.

  4. Sections 59 and 60

    substitute

  5. Seizure—attacking, harassing or menacing dogs

    An authorised person—

    (a)must seize a dog if the authorised person reasonably suspects—

    (i)the dog attacked a person; and

    (ii)the attack caused the death of or serious injury to a person; or

    (b)may seize a dog if the authorised person reasonably suspects the dog—

    (i)attacked a person or an animal and the attack caused—

    (A)an injury (other than a serious injury) to the person; or

    (B)serious injury to the animal; or

    (ii)harassed a person or an animal; or

    (iii)is aggressive or menacing. 

  6. Impounding of dogs seized

    (1)An authorised person—

    (a)may impound a seized dog; and

    (b)if a dog is impounded—

    (i)if the dog’s keeper’s identity is not known—must make reasonable inquiries to find out who is the keeper; or

    (ii)if the dog’s keeper’s identity is known—must give oral or written notice to the keeper in accordance with section 61 about the dog’s seizure.

    (2)The authorised person may give the notice by telephone.

    (3)For subsection (1) (a), if the authorised person is reasonably satisfied that the dog can be kept by the keeper on suitable and secure premises, the authorised person may impound the dog by directing the keeper orally, or in writing, to keep the dog on the premises in accordance with any stated conditions until the investigation is completed.

    (4)If the authorised person gives an oral direction under subsection (3), the authorised person must confirm the direction in writing as soon as practicable.

    (5)A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a direction under subsection (3).

    Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  7. Information to be given in notice of dog’s seizure
    Section 61

    omit everything before paragraph (a), substitute

    If a dog is seized under this part, the notice of seizure under section 60 (1) (b) (ii) must give the following information, if relevant:

  8. Releasing dogs seized under general seizure power
    Section 62 (2) (d)

    omit

    section 56 (a) or (b)

    substitute

    section 56 (1) (a), (aa), (ab) or (b)

  9. New section 62 (2) (g) and (h)

    insert

    (g)the keeper is able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control in relation to the dog; and

    (h)there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public and other animals from the dog being released.

  10. Section 62 (3) (a)

    omit everything before subparagraph (i), substitute

    (a)the holding period has ended and—

  11. Section 62 (3) (c)

    omit everything before subparagraph (i), substitute

    (c)a prosecution for the offence was started before the end of the holding period and—

  12. New section 62 (4)

    insert

    (4)In this section:

    holding period, in relation to a seized dog, means—

    (a)28 days after the day the dog was seized (the original period); or

    (b)if the registrar gives written notice to the dog’s keeper before the end of the original period—the original period plus an additional stated period.

  13. Section 63 heading

    substitute

  14. Releasing dogs seized under power relating to multiple dogs

  15. Section 63 (1) and note

    substitute

    (1)This section applies to a dog seized under section 58 (Seizure—contravention of multiple dog licence) unless the dog is declared to be a dangerous dog after it was seized.

    NoteSection 65 deals with the release of a dog declared to be dangerous after it is seized.

  16. Section 63 (2) (d)

    omit

  17. Section 63 (2) (e)

    omit

    if the dog was seized under section 58—

  18. Section 63 (2) (f)

    after

    seized

    insert

    under section 58

  19. New section 63 (2) (i) and (j)

    insert

    (i)the keeper is able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control in relation to the dog; and

    (j)there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals from the dog being released and kept in accordance with the conditions of the keeper’s multiple dog licence.

  1. Section 63 (2), note

    omit

  2. Section 63 (3) (a)

    omit everything before subparagraph (i), substitute

    (a)the holding period has ended and—

  3. Section 63 (3) (c)

    omit everything before subparagraph (i), substitute

    (c)a prosecution for the offence was started before the end of the holding period and—

  4. New section 63 (4)

    insert

    (4)In this section:

    holding period, in relation to a seized dog—see section 62 (4).

  5. Releasing dogs seized under attacking and harassing power
    Section 64 (1)

    omit

    (Seizure—attacking and harassing dogs)

    substitute

    (Seizure—attacking, harassing or menacing dogs)

  6. New section 64 (2) (g) and (h)

    insert

    (g)the keeper is able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control in relation to the dog; and

    (h)there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals from the dog being released and kept in accordance with the conditions of any control order.

  7. Section 64 (3) (a)

    omit everything before subparagraph (i), substitute

    (a)the holding period has ended and—

  8. Section 64 (3) (c)

    omit everything before subparagraph (i), substitute

    (c)a prosecution for the offence was started before the end of the holding period and—

  9. New section 64 (4)

    insert

    (4)In this section:

    holding period, in relation to a seized dog—see section 62 (4).

  10. Section 65

    substitute

  11. Releasing dogs declared dangerous after seizure for offence

    (1)This section applies if—

    (a)a dog is seized under this Act; and

    (b)after the seizure, the dog is declared to be a dangerous dog.

    (2)The registrar must release the dog to a person claiming its release if, but only if, satisfied that—

    (a)the person claiming its release is the dog’s keeper; and

    (b)a dangerous dog licence is in force for the dog; and

    (c)the keeper is able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control in relation to the dog; and

    (d)there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or another animal from the dog being released and kept in accordance with the conditions of a dangerous dog licence; and

    (e)any fee payable under section 144 for the release of the dog has been paid.

  12. New section 65A

    insert

65AReleasing dogs seized because of complaint

(1)This section applies if a dog is seized under section 56A (Seizure of dogs—investigation of complaints about attacking, harassing or menacing dogs).

(2)The registrar must release the dog to a person claiming its release if—

(a)the registrar is reasonably satisfied of the matters mentioned in section 62 (2) (excluding paragraph (d)); and

(b)the investigation is completed.

(3)The registrar may release the dog under subsection (2) only if satisfied that—

(a)the keeper is able to exercise responsible dog management, care and control in relation to the dog; and

(b)there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public and other animals from the dog being released and kept in accordance with the conditions of any dangerous dog licence and control order; and

(c)any fee payable under section 144 for the release of the dog has been paid.

  1. Section 66 heading

    substitute

  2. Selling or destroying dogs (other than dangerous dogs) generally

  3. Section 66 (1) and note

    substitute

    (1)This section applies to a dog, other than a dangerous dog, seized under—

    (a)section 56 (Seizure of dogs—general); or

    (b)section 59 (Seizure—attacking, harassing or menacing dogs); or

    (c)section 114 (Seizure, impounding and return of nuisance animals).

    NoteSection 68 deals with the selling and destruction of dangerous dogs.

  4. Section 66 (2) (c)

    omit

    section 60 (1) (c)

    substitute

    section 60 (1) (b) (ii) or section 114 (2) (b) (ii)

  5. Selling or destroying dogs (other than dangerous dogs) seized under multiple dog licence power
    Section 67 (2) (c)

    omit

    section 60 (1) (c)

    substitute

    section 60 (1) (b) (ii)

  6. New section 67A

    insert

67ASelling dogs (other than dangerous dogs) if keeper unfit

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a dog is seized under this Act; and

(b)the dog is not a dangerous dog; and

(c)the registrar is reasonably satisfied that—

(i)the dog’s keeper is unable to exercise responsible dog management, care or control in relation to the dog; or

(ii)there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the dog were released to the keeper; and

(d)the registrar is reasonably satisfied that the dog would not be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the dog were kept by someone who was able to exercise responsible dog management, care or control in relation to the dog.

(2)The registrar may decide to sell the dog.

(3)The registrar may sell the dog if—

(a)the registrar gives the dog’s keeper written notice of the decision to sell the dog; and

(b)the dog’s keeper—

(i)does not, within 7 days after the day the notice is given (the application period), apply to the ACAT under section 120 for review of the decision; or

(ii)applies to the ACAT under section 120 for review of the decision within the application period and the registrar’s decision to sell the dog is confirmed.

NoteThe registrar must give a reviewable decision notice for s (2) to the keeper and must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see s 119 and ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).

  1. Selling or destroying dangerous dogs generally
    Section 68 (2) (c)

    substitute

    (c)not later than 7 days after the day notice under section 60 (1) (b) (ii) was given to the dog’s keeper, the keeper does not tell the registrar, in writing, that the keeper wishes to claim the dog and—

  2. New section 68A

    insert

68ADestroying dogs—public safety concerns

(1)This section applies if the registrar reasonably believes that a dog—

(a)is an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals; and

(b)cannot be reasonably rehoused, retrained or otherwise rehabilitated so that the dog is no longer an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals.

(2)The registrar may decide to destroy the dog.

(3)The registrar may destroy the dog if—

(a)the registrar gives the dog’s keeper written notice of the decision to destroy the dog; and

(b)the dog’s keeper—

(i)does not, within 7 days after the day the notice is given (the application period), apply to the ACAT under section 120 for review of the decision; or

(ii)applies to the ACAT under section 120 for review of the decision within the application period and the registrar’s decision to destroy the dog is confirmed.

NoteThe registrar must give a reviewable decision notice for s (2) to the keeper and must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see s 119 and ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).

  1. Relinquishing ownership of dogs
    Section 69 (1)

    omit

    division

    substitute

    Act

  2. Returning seized dog to its keeper
    Section 70 (4)

    substitute

    (4)The registrar may return the dog to its keeper and issue the keeper with a control order for the dog.

  3. Offence—breeding dogs or cats without licence
    Section 72 (1) (b)

    omit

    for profit or commercial gain

  4. Breeding licence—approval or refusal
    Section 72B (2)

    substitute

    (2)The registrar—

    (a)must refuse to issue the licence if the applicant is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; or

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (b)may refuse to issue the licence if the registrar reasonably believes—

    (i)there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public and other animals if the licence were issued; or

    (ii)the applicant has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control; or

    (iii)the applicant cannot comply with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1992 and any approved or mandatory code of practice under that Act.

  5. New section 72B (3) (g)

    insert

    (g)the safety of the public and other animals.

  6. Section 72C

    substitute

72CBreeding licence—duration

A breeding licence remains in force for 2 years unless sooner surrendered or cancelled.

  1. Breeding licence—conditions
    New section 72E (1A)

    insert

    (1A)A condition may limit the number of litters a dog or cat may breed.

  2. Breeding licence—cancellation
    Section 72G (1)

    substitute

    (1)The registrar—

    (a)must cancel a breeding licence if the licensee is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; or

    NoteSection 138A deals with the disqualification of a person from keeping an animal.

    (b)may cancel a breeding licence if—

    (i)the registrar becomes aware of circumstances that, if the registrar had been aware of them at the time of the application for the licence, would have resulted in the application being refused; or

    (ii)the licensee contravenes a condition of the licence; or

    (iii)the licence was obtained by a false or misleading statement; or

    (iv)there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the licence were not cancelled; or

    (v)the registrar reasonably believes that the licensee has failed, or is unable, to exercise responsible dog management, care or control; or

    (vi)it is otherwise appropriate to do so.

  3. Section 72K

    substitute

72KOffence—selling and advertising requirements

(1)A person commits an offence if the person—

(a)breeds a dog or cat; and

(b)sells the dog or cat; and

(c)does not hold a breeding licence.

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

(2)A person who holds a breeding licence commits an offence if the person—

(a)breeds a dog or cat; and

(b)publishes a statement that either—

(i)constitutes an invitation to buy the dog or cat from the person; or

(ii)could reasonably be understood to constitute an invitation to buy the dog or cat from the person; and

(c)does not include in the publication the breeding licence number.

Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.

(3)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

  1. Offence—surrender of breeding licence
    Section 72L

    omit

  2. Dogs and cats to be de-sexed if over certain age
    New section 74 (5) (c)

    insert

    (c)a veterinary surgeon certifies in writing that de-sexing the dog or cat would be a serious health risk to the animal.

  3. Section 74A

    substitute

74ASale of older dogs and cats not de-sexed

(1)A person commits an offence if—

(a)the person sells a dog or cat that has not been de-sexed; and

(b)either—

(i)for a dog—the dog is 6 months old or older; or

(ii)for a cat—the cat is 3 months old or older; and

(c)the person does not hold a permit for the dog or cat.

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to a dog or cat if a veterinary surgeon certifies in writing before the dog was sold that de-sexing the animal would be a serious health risk to the animal.

  1. Approval or refusal of applications
    Section 76 (2)

    substitute

    (2)In making a decision under subsection (1), the registrar—

    (a)may consider the following:

    (i)whether the animal is kept for breeding or used, bred or bought for show;

    (ii)whether it would be detrimental to the health of the animal if it were to be de-sexed;

    (iii)any other relevant matter; and

    (b)must consider the safety of the public.

    (3)The registrar may issue a permit—

    (a)for a stated period; and

    (b)on any other condition.

  2. Term of permits
    Section 78

    omit

  3. Production of permits
    Section 79 (1)

    substitute

    (1)A keeper or owner of a dog or cat commits an offence if—

    (a)an authorised person asks the keeper or owner to show a permit for the dog or cat; and

    (b)the keeper or owner fails to show the permit to the authorised person within 24 hours after being asked.

    Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.

    (1A)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

  4. Identification of dogs and cats—requirement
    Section 84 (1) and (2), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  5. Section 109

    substitute

  6. Meaning of animal nuisance—pt 6

    For this part, an animal causes an animal nuisance if—

    (a)the animal causes, solely or in part—

    (i)damage to property owned by a person other than the keeper; or

    (ii)excessive disturbance to a person other than the keeper because of noise; or

    (iii)an unacceptable risk to the public or another animal; or

    (b)for a dog—there are repeated occurrences of the dog—

    (i)not being kept under control by the dog’s keeper or carer; or

    (ii)the dog is not restrained in contravention of section 44 (1) or (3) (Dogs in public places must be controlled) or section 45 (1) or (3) (Dogs on private premises to be restrained).

  7. Offence of animal nuisance
    Section 110 (1), penalty

    omit

    10 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  8. Complaints about animal nuisance
    Section 111 (2)

    omit

    must

    substitute

    may

  9. Issue of nuisance notices
    Section 112 (1)

    omit

    animal nuisance exists

    substitute

    animal is causing an animal nuisance

  10. Section 112 (1) (b)

    omit

    the nuisance exists, or from which it emanates

    substitute

    the animal is causing the nuisance

  11. Section 112 (4) (a) (ii)

    substitute

    (ii)state where the nuisance is being caused; and

  12. Sections 114, 114A and 114B

    substitute

  13. Seizure, impounding and return of nuisance animals

    (1)An authorised person may seize an animal if—

    (a)the authorised person reasonably believes the animal is causing an animal nuisance, after considering—

    (i)the extent of the animal nuisance; and

    (ii)the likelihood of the keeper of the animal reducing or stopping the nuisance or complying with steps mentioned in a nuisance notice to prevent its recurrence; or

    (b)the keeper does not comply with a nuisance notice issued to the keeper in relation to the animal.

    (2)If an animal is seized under subsection (1), the registrar must—

    (a)impound the animal until it is returned to its keeper, or sold or destroyed; and

    (b)either—

    (i)if the animal’s keeper’s identity is not known—make reasonable inquiries to find out who is the keeper; or

    (ii)if the animal’s keeper’s identity is known—give oral or written notice to the keeper in accordance with section 114A about the animal’s seizure.

    (3)The registrar may give the notice by telephone.

    (4)The registrar must release the animal to a person claiming its release if reasonably satisfied that—

    (a)the animal nuisance is not likely to happen again if the animal is returned to the keeper; and

    (b)for a dog—there is not an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals from the dog being released to the keeper.

    (5)If the registrar releases a dog, the registrar may issue the keeper with a control order in relation to the dog.

    (6)Any costs or expenses incurred by the Territory in seizing or impounding an animal under this section are a debt payable to the Territory by the keeper of the animal.

114AInformation to be given in notice of animal’s seizure  

If an animal is seized under section 114, the notice of seizure must give the following information, if relevant:

(a)when and where the animal was seized;

(b)the reason the animal was seized;

(c)where the animal may be claimed;

(d)the fee payable for the release of the animal;

(e)that the animal may be sold or destroyed if it is not claimed;

(f)the period in which the animal may be claimed before it can be sold or destroyed;

(g)that the keeper may relinquish ownership of the animal.

  1. Destruction of vicious animals
    Section 116 (1)

    after

    seize

    insert

    or impound

  2. Section 116 (2)

    after

    safety of

    insert

    people exercising functions under this Act,

  3. Sections 128, 129 and 130

    substitute

  4. Power to enter premises

    (1)For this Act, an authorised person may—

    (a)at any reasonable time, enter premises that the public is entitled to use or that are open to the public (whether or not on payment of money); or

    (b)at any time when business premises are open for business, enter the premises; or

    (c)at any time, enter premises with the occupier’s consent; or

    (d)enter premises in accordance with a search warrant; or

    (e)at any time without a warrant, enter premises if the authorised person—

    (i)reasonably believes that the circumstances are so serious and urgent that immediate entry to the premises without the authority of a search warrant is necessary; or

    (ii)reasonably suspects that an offence (other than an excluded offence) has been, or is being, committed on the premises; or

    (iii)is authorised under this Act to seize an animal kept on the premises.

    (2)However, subsection (1) (a) and (b) do not authorise entry into a part of premises that is being used only for residential purposes.

    (3)An authorised person may, without the consent of the occupier of premises, enter land around the premises to ask for consent to enter the premises.

    (4)An authorised person may enter premises under subsection (1) with necessary and reasonable assistance and force.

    (5)A police officer may help an authorised person in exercising the authorised person’s powers under this section if asked by the authorised person to do so.

    (6)To remove any doubt, an authorised person may enter premises under subsection (1) without payment of an entry fee or other charge.

    (7)In this section:

    at any reasonable time includes at any time when the public is entitled to use the premises, or when the premises are open to or used by the public (whether or not on payment of money).

  5. Inspection of premises
    Section 131

    omit

    section 128 (1) (Entry of premises—routine inspections) or section 129 (2) (Entry of premises—search warrants)

    substitute

    section 128

  6. Consent to entry
    Section 132 (1)

    omit

    section 114A (2) (Entry to premises for nuisance animal) or section 128 (1) (Entry of premises—routine inspections)

    substitute

    section 128

  7. Section 132 (4) and (5)

    omit

    section 114A (2) or

  8. Search warrants
    Section 133 (6), definition of related thing, paragraph (b)

    substitute

    (b)    a thing in relation to which the authorised person is reasonably satisfied it is necessary to exercise any of the powers mentioned in section 128 (1) (e) (i) to prevent the committing, continuing or repeating of an offence under this Act.

  9. Power to require name and address
    Section 134 (3), penalty

    omit

    5 penalty units

    substitute

    15 penalty units

  10. New section 134A

    in division 9.2, insert

134AInspection of animals

(1)An authorised person or police officer may ask a keeper or carer of an animal to produce an animal for inspection if—

(a)the authorised person or police officer reasonably suspects the keeper or carer has contravened this Act; or

(b)for a dog—

(i)a special licence is held by the keeper; or

(ii)the keeper holds a breeding licence; or

(iii)a control order or nuisance notice applies to the dog.

(2)A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a request under subsection (1).

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

  1. Dishonoured cheques and credit transactions
    Section 142

    omit

    certificate, tag or licence

    substitute

    certificate or licence

  2. Transitional provisions
    Part 11

    omit

  3. Dictionary, note 2

    insert

    ·     veterinary surgeon

  1. Dictionary, new definition of control order

    insert

    control order, for a dog, means an order issued to the dog’s keeper by the registrar requiring 1 or more of the following:

    (a)the property where the dog is kept to have secure fencing to properly confine the dog to the premises;

    (b)fencing at the property where the dog is kept to be inspected by the registrar every 6 months;

    (c)the keeper and the dog to complete a course approved by the registrar in writing in behavioural or socialisation training for the dog;

    (d)any other thing the registrar considers appropriate.

  2. Dictionary, definition of registration tag

    omit

  3. Dictionary, new definition of sell

    insert

    sell, a seized cat or dog, includes give the animal to an entity responsible for animal welfare or rehousing abandoned or seized animals.

  4. Dictionary, new definition of serious injury

    insert

    serious injury, to a person or animal, means any injury (including the cumulative effect of more than 1 injury) that—

    (a)endangers, or is likely to endanger, the person or animal’s life; or

    (b)is, or is likely to be, a significant or longstanding injury.

Part 3Domestic Animals Regulation 2001

  1. Dog registration information—Act, s 8
    New section 5 (ca)

    insert

    (ca)the unique identification number for the microchip implanted in the dog;

  2. Information on dog registration certificates—Act s 11 (2)
    New section 6 (aa)

    insert

    (aa)the unique identification number for the microchip implanted in the dog;

  3. Requirement to be licensed
    Section 6A

    omit

  4. How dogs must be identified—Act, s 83
    Section 7 (6)

    omit

    subsection (3)

    substitute

    subsection (1)

  5. Reviewable decisions
    Schedule 1, new item 1A

    insert

1A

Act, 13 (1) (c)

cancel registration of dog

keeper of dog

  1. Schedule 1, new items 11A to 11D

    insert

11A

Act, 53B (2)

destroy dog

keeper of dog

11B

Act, 53B (6)

issue control order

keeper of dog

11C

Act, 53C (2)

destroy dog

keeper of dog

11D

Act, 53C (4)

issue control order

keeper of dog

  1. Schedule 1, new items 13A and 13B

    insert

13A

Act, 67A (2)

sell seized dog

keeper of dog

13B

Act, 68A (2)

destroy dog

keeper of dog

  1. Schedule 1, item 28, column 2

    omit

    or (5)

  2. Dictionary, note 3

    omit

    ·     registration tag

Endnotes

  1. Presentation speech

    Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on 1 November 2017.

  2. Notification

    Notified under the Legislation Act on 13 December 2017.

  3. Republications of amended laws

    For the latest republication of amended laws, see certify that the above is a true copy of the Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 29 November 2017.

    Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

    © Australian Capital Territory 2017

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