Council urges responsible pet ownership following spike in dog attacks
Published on 25 May 2026
Scenic Rim Regional Council is urging residents to take immediate responsibility for pet management following a concerning spike in dog attacks across the region.
In recent months, there has been a substantial increase in reported dog attacks, including serious incidents that resulted in victims requiring extended hospital stays. Alarmingly, most of these attacks have occurred on public land, raising significant concerns about community safety in public places.
As a result of ongoing investigations and compliance checks, Council has recently seized nine dogs due to insufficient or non-compliant enclosures. These cases involved properties where fencing or containment measures failed to meet safety standards, posing a risk to both the public and other animals.
Council officers are continuing to monitor high-risk situations and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.
Cr Amanda Hay, who oversees Council's Parks and Biodiversity Portfolio and is also on the State Government's Animal Management Taskforce, said the rise in attacks was deeply concerning.
“Community safety is our top priority. These incidents are preventable, and it is every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their pets are securely contained and properly managed at all times - both at home and in public,” she said.
"I am also advocating for on-the-spot fines for unregistered dogs."
Council is reminding residents that their responsibilities extend beyond local laws and are governed by the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, which carries significant penalties for non-compliance.
Recent amendments to the Act have strengthened penalties and enforcement powers, including on-the-spot fines exceeding $830 for failing to keep a dog under effective control in a public place, fines exceeding $112,000 or imprisonment for serious dog attack offences.
Dog owners are legally required to:
- Ensure dogs are adequately contained within their property, with secure and compliant fencing
- Keep dogs under effective control at all times in public places, including on a lead or under voice command in designated areas
- Properly supervise dogs when in public spaces
- Register and microchip pets as required
- Take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from attacking or causing fear to people or other animals
Under the Act, local governments must issue destruction orders for regulated dogs involved in serious attacks and may do so for non-regulated dogs where there is a risk to public safety.
Residents are encouraged to review Council’s updated fact sheets and resources on responsible pet ownership and the latest legislative changes, available on Council’s website.
Anyone who witnesses aggressive dog behaviour or has concerns about animal containment is encouraged to report it to Council immediately.