CRIMES AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS ACTS AMENDMENT (OFFENCES AND PENALTIES) BILL 2011

I rise to speak on the Crimes and Domestic Animals Acts Amendment (Offences and Penalties) Bill 2011, which relates specifically to dangerous dogs. It will ensure that we have an environment in which these dangerous dogs are taken off the streets. Like many other people in this house, I am an animal lover. I have a pet dog, Sammy. Just last week we took him to the local church for the blessing of the animals.

There is a big difference between a family dog which is loved and cared for and a dangerous dog, and this legislation makes the differentiation between the two.

With ownership of anything, and particularly with ownership of animals, comes responsibility. When we are dealing with pets of any nature there is a responsibility to care and to love, and there is a responsibility to make sure that animals that have the potential to harm and to kill are restricted, managed and not allowed to roam free to inflict the harm and death we have seen in the past. The death of a toddler a few months back was tragic, and it was that tragedy which caused this house and this government to react so quickly and bring in legislation in regard to dangerous dogs. I would like to commend the minister for his quick response and the opposition for its support in moving the legislation through as quickly as it has.

This is very important legislation. We are legislating for two new offences. New section 319B deals with two indictable offences. One refers to dog ownership. A person who owns a dog has certain obligations, and failure to act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years jail.

The second offence deals with a person who is in charge of a dog, and that has a maximum penalty of five years jail.

I will not speak much longer because I know there are others who wish to make a contribution, but this is responsible legislation, and I commend the bill to the house.