By-Law for Hunting Dogs Considered

Filed in Recent News by August 29, 2018

GREYHOUNDS have long been required to be muzzled in public and adhere to more stringent controls under the companion animals act and Upper Hunter Shire Council said at a meeting last night in Murrurundi that they would consider a by-law for hunting dogs.

The Companion Animals Act already classifies a dog which is “kept or used for hunting” as a dangerous dog, which must be “kept in prescribed enclosure at all times when at home; Leashed and muzzled in public; Desexed, microchipped and registered (Council may seize dog to ensure this occurs). Wear distinctive collar, dangerous dog sign at property; sale and advertising prohibited.”

The penalties for not adhering to the Act include: “Up to $16,000 fine for selling/acquiring; up to $77,000 fine and up to 5 years imprisonment if dog attacks; $1,3220 penalty notice; permanent disqualification of owner; seizure.”

Russell Griffiths, a resident of Murrurundi and one of many community members who have raised concerns about hunting dogs attacking animals and people in the community said that it is not based on breed, rather on if they are used for hunting.

“It already happens with greyhounds which are trained to chase rabbits and the same should be done for dogs used to hunt when they are in town,” said Mr Griffiths.

The general manager, Steve McDonald said Council would consider how hunting dogs could be monitored for compliance and consider if a by-law was required in the Shire.

The Mayor, Wayne Bedggood, said it would be almost impossible to regulate if the owners were not registering their dogs.

However, Council also outlined some of the steps they are taking to ensure dogs are registered in the Shire including cross-correlating data from microchipping and their own registration records to ensure all dogs are registered.

Through that process they have issued more than 700 letters to dog owners this year informing them their dog is not registered and that they must register within 14 days or be issued a penalty notice.

There are approximately 5,000 dogs currently registered in the Shire.

To Report a Dog:

  • In the case of a dog attack or damage to property: Phone Police and record an event number: 02 6542 6999
  • In the case of a nuisance or menacing dog: Phone Council and record a complaint number: 02 6540 1100
  • Council has an after-hours number which can be used to report non-emergency events: 02 6540 1199
  • NOTE: There is a 72 hour period in which a dog can be seized following an attack.

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