Tough new dog law that could get Aussies into trouble for not spending enough time with their pets
A proposed law in the Australian Capital Territory could force dog owners to spend at least three hours a day with their pets.
A proposed law in the Australian Capital Territory could force dog owners to spend at least three hours a day with their pets.
The draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs has put forward several changes that would become mandatory across all households.
Among the proposed laws is that dogs must receive human contact for a reasonable length of time each day.
Other suggestions include the discouragement of retractable leads and tighter restrictions on surgical debarking.
This Code aims to ensure that all dogs receive proper treatment consistent with the need to maintain their comfort, security, physical and mental well-being at all times, the document reads.
The ACT in 2019 formally recognised pets and other animals as sentient beings with the Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill.
It decided animals have intrinsic value and deserve to be treated with compassion and people have a duty to care for the physical and mental welfare of animals.
The act would follow similar rules imposed in several nations in Europe, including Germany and Switzerland.
A proposed law in the Australian Capital Territory could force dog owners to spend at least three hours a day with their pets (stock image)
In 2020, Germany proposed – and later passed with amendments – laws legislating the importance of physical exercise and contact with environmental stimuli for pet dogs.
Switzerlands Animal Protection Ordinance mandates that dogs must have daily contact with humans and, if possible, with other dogs, and should not be left alone for more than four hours.
But in the ACT, the plan has raised questions about how the act would be enforced.
Some residents said the policy was underdeveloped and suggested the government deal with other issues, including the budget and healthcare.
Theres quite a lot of things in the ACT that the bureaucrats have come up with and it sounds like a good idea at first, but it doesnt seem to be well thought through, Tam Goddard told the ABC.
How are they going to police that?
Ms Goddard labelled it a diversionary tactic.
Do they worry about human contact for the homeless? she said.
Other suggestions in the draft include the discouragement of retractable leads and tighter restrictions on surgical debarking (stock image)
Who is going to go and talk to them? Do we have more programs to support them?
The government, most of the time, leaves it to the charities to take care of those not so fortunate in our city, and you dont need to walk far to see them.
RSPCA ACTs Rhiannon Kwateng said the organisation would welcome the proposal.
Its so crucial that we as pet owners meet not just their physical needs but their mental needs as well, she said.
Ms Kwateng said most owners had nothing to fear as they already exceeded the proposed minimum amount of contact.
The draft code is open for public comment until August 22.