AVA speaks at the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry on stronger dog laws reform

04 Mar 2024

Queensland Parliament’s State Development and Regional Industries Committee recently held a hearing into the Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

Dr Isabelle Resch, President of the Australian Veterinary Behavioural Medicine Group, represented the AVA. The AVA’s position on breed specific legislation including “Deed not breed” was well articulated, as well as the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to addressing dog behaviour issues.

Other stakeholders giving evidence at the Inquiry were strongly aligned with the AVA’s position on not banning specific breeds of dogs. The inability to reliably identify individual dogs as being of a breed to subject to a ban was also highlighted.

As an alternative to the banning of specific breeds, the Parliamentary Committee were seeking a reliable and effective method for determining how an individual dog may be assessed as one potential to be aggressive. Dr Resch advised that this is not possible, as a complex set of factors are involved in predicting dog behaviour, just as it is for human behaviour. The need for owner education, appropriate training of dogs – by qualified personnel using appropriate techniques – and the continual assessment and management at an individual dog level are all important aspects that must be considered.

In line with the AVA’s call for greater education and proactive measures around how people interact with dogs, the AVA welcomes the $7.574 million package, including a community education campaign focused on responsible dog ownership, funding for more effective Government action in response to dog attacks, and funding for initiatives in First Nations communities.

The appeals process for dogs who have been seized following a dog bite incident was included in this Inquiry. Dr Resch outlined the need for all parties – victim, dog owner and dog – to be considered and in a timely fashion. And that the options for doing so should be developed with input from a wide range of experts in the legal and dog behaviour fields.

The AVA will continue to consult with subject matter experts and consider evidence-based information on this matter as part of the AVA’s policy review process. We will also pursue ongoing engagement and consultation at state and local government levels to ensure veterinary knowledge and expertise is contributing to matters involving animal welfare.

February 2024