Dog ownership in Australia could soon be subject to new laws, including a licence needed to keep the pets, with the issue set to be reviewed following a string of dog attacks.
NSW owners could also be slapped with increased penalties if their dog attacks and harms someone, and if they ignore notices about how the dog should be kept.
People who own a dog for security could also be impacted by the proposed removal of legislation exempting owners from liability if their dog attacks a trespasser.
NSW coroners have been conducting a series of inquests into fatal dog attacks.
Delivering her findings on Friday after an inquest into the July 2021 death of a five-week old baby at a Central Coast home, deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes said there had been a concerning number of fatal dog attacks in the state since 2009.
The mother had been holding the baby boy in a rocking chair, fell asleep and woke to find the baby was on the floor of his bedroom suffering fatal puncture wounds.
Like several others, the attack involved an American Staffordshire terrier, which is not currently a restricted breed, although the local council had resolved to request they be listed as such months earlier.
The breed had the highest incidence of attacks in local government data from 2018-2021, the inquest heard.
NSW dog owners could face increased penalties if their dog attacks or harms someone
The dog was bought from a breeder advertising on online marketplaces, who provided no documentation about the breed of dog, which was also not microchipped.
The animal has since been euthanised.
The ‘tragic and untimely death’ demonstrated the need for pet ownership laws to be reviewed and amended, Ms Forbes said.
She made a series of recommendations, which, along with other inquests, will inform an upcoming review of the state’s pet laws.
The recommendations include consideration of a potential licensing scheme, increased penalties and more responsibility – and liability – for owners.
‘The regulatory regime as it stands is not effective at minimising the risk of serious or fatal dog attacks,’ Ms Forbes said.
Existing penalties were also too low to deter non-compliance with the laws, she said.
Under Queensland laws introduced in 2024, the owner of a dog that kills or seriously injures someone can be fined more than $100,000 or face three years in prison.
Ms Forbes said more public education was also required about the risks posed by dogs, how to select a suitable breed, and how to interact with, care for, train and socialise them.
American Staffordshire terriers have been involved in the most number of dog attacks in NSW
The coroner recommended the consideration of a licence for dog owners, which could require them to complete a safety program, while specific breeds could require an additional licence.
Owners could also be required to prove they were fit to own certain kinds of dogs.
Sections of laws that can limit the ability of council officers to place restrictions on a dog have also been recommended for review.
Ms Forbes acknowledged some might consider further regulations on owning a dog to be onerous.
‘Any disadvantage is outweighed by the saving of lives and prevention of injury,’ she said.
If changes are made, it will not be until after the review of state pet laws, which will be held following the completion of the current inquests into dog attacks and a parliamentary inquiry.
