The Senate yesterday passed the Dogs (Liability for Attacks) Act 2020, which will impose tough financial or custodial penalties on owners held responsible for their animals causing death or serious injury to a person.
The act was passed with 24 amendments in the Senate, which followed the 17 changes made in the House of Representatives on November 17 and replaces the 1877 Dogs (Liability for Injuries by) Act.
Where a dog attacks and causes death or serious injury to an individual in any place, other than the premises where the dog is kept or permitted to live or remain, Section 6 of the act makes owners liable to a fine or up to five years’ imprisonment.
If the owner is present and fails to take adequate steps to restrain the animal during the attack, they would be further penalised
