Stronger dog legislation in QLD

The QLD Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill was passed through QLD State Parliament in 2024.

The AVA provided submissions to this legislation amendment, the related consultation on stronger dog laws in QLD and Dr Isabelle Resch, President of the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Group, also appeared as a witness for the AVA at a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry.

At all opportunities through this consultation, 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.

Subsequent to passing of this legislation, DAF/BQ have been consulting with relevant stakeholders to develop associated guidelines and other supports for the new legislation. AVA representation is involved in this process, including being a member of the Animal Management Task Force. Matters being addressed by this Task Force include; Dog Breeder Registration, Local Government Roles & Responsibilities, Community Educations & Awareness campaigns, Restricted Dog Breeds.