Alice Springs, NT: Council passes tough dog laws

"... they have a responsibility to keep their pets ... at home and under control."

Alice Springs council has upheld tough new laws regarding dog ownership. The council was asked to approve lower penalties than originally proposed in draft animal by-laws. Instead the aldermen approved the by-laws with tougher penalties.

Rural property owner Rod Kramer has lost half his calves to dog attacks in recent years and said "hopefully it will send a clear message to dog owners that they have a responsibility to keep their pets, no matter how well behaved they think they are, to keep them at home and under control."

Mr Kramer also noted other landholders who have lost stock, including race horses.

Prepared using report "A rural property owner in Alice Springs says he is pleased town council aldermen have decided to uphold tough new penalties for dog attacks.", ABC Alice Springs 16/9/08, http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/16/2365587.htm?site=alicesprings, accessed 10/10/08.