South Australian dog owners are being warned to protect people and other animals from dog attacks or they could be fined up to $50,000.
The South Australian government is proposing reforms to the state’s Dog and Cat Management Act to increase the penalty for dog attacks and puppy farms.
Under the draft laws, an owner can be fined up to $25,000 if their dog attacks a person or animal causing serious injury or death.
Currently the penalty is $2500.
If the dog was already the subject of a dangerous dog order by a local council, the owner can face a fine of up to $50,000 — up from $10,000.
An owner who deliberately encourages their pet to attack or harass a person or animal will face a fine of up to $100,000 or four years in jail.
“The South Australian government is making sure penalties for violent dog attacks are a strong deterrent to ensure owners do everything they can to control their dogs,” Deputy Premier Susan Close said.
The proposed changes have been released online for public consultation.
It also includes bans on large-scale puppy farms because of animal cruelty risks, proposing a limit of 50 female animals per breeding program and five litters per female dog.
The proposal includes a licence and assessment system and criminal background checks for breeders, and mandatory reporting for each litter.
The SA government said the proposed laws are among the strictest laws in the country.
Breeders who trade without a licence can be fined up to $10,000.