Many Australian families enjoy having a pet dog as part of their family unit. A dog has long been considered “man’s best friend”, their loyalty and unconditional love surpassed by none. Research conducted by the RSPCA shows that pet ownership can have physical health benefits such as:
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- Increased cardiovascular health
- Increased physical activity (getting out and enjoying the outdoors while getting some regular exercise. They are great motivators and personal trainers, no matter the weather)
- Growing up with a dog may help to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies
- Children who have pets are less likely to miss school due to illness.
Research also shows that pet ownership has psychological benefits such as:
- Those who have pets have higher self-esteem, teenagers have a more positive outlook on life and report less loneliness, restlessness, despair and boredom.
- Pet owners report less depression and appear to cope with grief, stress and loss better than non-pet owners
- Enhance social connectedness and social skills
- Pets are great caregivers
While many pet owners are responsible and abide by the relevant sections under the Companion Animals Act 1998, police and local council rangers are all too often called to incidents and events where a pet owner has not been responsible, and some form of legal action against that person takes place.
The weather is warming up and I would imagine dog owners will now be out in force, walking and exercising their dogs. This is great to see; it builds social interaction and community.
If you are a dog owner and enjoy being out and about with your loyal companion I ask that you make yourself familiar with the Companion Animals Act 1998. Take note of the penalty units that apply to offences committed. Each penalty unit is worth $110 dollars. I would hate to see your great day out spoiled by a careless mistake.
I have listed a few sections of the Companion Animals Act below for your information. Knowing about the act and preventing any breaches from occurring will go a long way to building a more respectful community where our public spaces can and are there for all of us to share.
- Section 9 Registration required from age 6 months (offence – 50 penalty units (minimum))
- Section 12 Dog to wear collar and tag (offence – 8 penalty units, 50 penalty units for dangerous, menacing or restricted)
- Section 12A Preventing dog from escaping (offence – 8 penalty units, 50 penalty units for dangerous, menacing or restricted)
- Section 13 Responsibilities while dog in public place (offence – 10 penalty units, 100 penalty units for dangerous, menacing or restricted)
- Section 14 Dogs prohibited in some public places (offence – 10 penalty units, 100 penalty units for dangerous, menacing or restricted)
- Section 16 Offences where dog attacks person or animal (offences commence at 100 penalty units with maximum penalties of 700 penalty units or imprisonment for 5 years, or both. The most serious offences also carries a permanent disqualification from owning a dog or from being in charge of a dog in a public place.)
- Section 20 Dogs defecating in public place (offence – 8 penalty units)
- Section 25 Injury to person or damage to personal property (Owner is liable for damages)
