Randwick City Council has reached out to the New South Wales government, seeking a review of the Companion Animals Act 1998. Their proposal aims to implement stricter penalties and increased fines for irresponsible dog owners. This initiative stems from concerns about issues such as dogs off their leashes harassing children and wildlife, and owners neglecting to clean up after their pets.
Notably, the council has reported a staggering rise in dog attacks, with incidents soaring from 900 in 2004 to over 5,000 in 2024. Feedback from the community underscores a pressing need for clearer regulations and responsible dog management in shared environments. Residents have expressed a desire for key behaviours, including keeping dogs under control, respecting the rights of others, and ensuring proper disposal of dog waste. Unfortunately, many of these basic expectations are not consistently followed.
The council’s focus isn’t solely on dogs; it also aims to promote responsible cat ownership. Their proposal suggests that cats should not be allowed to roam freely, as this can pose threats to local wildlife and become a nuisance. With this broader goal in mind, the council calls for significantly increased fines for infractions, particularly in cases involving dog attacks.
Currently, the highest fine that can be imposed for violations such as off-leash walking is $330, while not cleaning up after dogs incurs a $275 penalty. In alignment with Randwick’s efforts, the Waverly Council is mulling similar changes, stressing the necessity for heightened penalties and advocating for mandatory pet ownership training for dog owners.
The call for these amendments reflects ongoing community concerns regarding public safety and responsible pet ownership, aiming to foster a culture of accountability among pet owners in the region.