Page 2967 - Week 09 - Thursday, 18 September 2014
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could be expected to protect or the attack occurred on the premises occupied by the defendant and the victim was on the premises without lawful excuse. By way of example, this last point provides a defence to the keeper of a guard dog that attacks an intruder who enters onto private premises for an unlawful purpose. Notably, this new offence does not carry the full range of defences that new section 50(1) and (2) do.
The defence that someone else was, at the time of the offence, the carer of the dog, as is set out in new section 54, cannot be used in the case of a dangerous dog. This is because the keepers of dangerous dogs are required to ensure that their dogs are securely contained or under suitable supervision at all times.
This bill forms one part of the package of reforms related to dogs that the ACT government has recently considered. As members are no doubt aware, Canberrans love their dogs, and issues related to dogs are of particular interest to many of us. It is timely that this package of reforms be developed to provide clear guidance to the community about their responsibilities as dog owners.
As well as the bill we are considering this afternoon, the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, or AWAC, is currently developing for my consideration a draft code of practice for the care and welfare of dogs in the ACT. I understand that AWAC will shortly be taking the draft code out to public consultation, and I anticipate much interest from the community when it does so.
The ACT government has also recently conducted a public consultation as part of its review of dog exercise areas in the ACT. The aim of this review is to find the right balance between protecting the natural environment, maintaining community enjoyment of recreational spaces, and providing sufficient space for dogs to be exercised on and off leash. This recent consultation on dog exercise areas received over 1,550 submissions from the public, making it one of the most successful community engagement activities undertaken by the ACT government. This is more evidence of the special interest that Canberrans place in dog-related issues. Following the consultation process, the Territory and Municipal Services Directorate is currently reviewing the public submissions received, with a view to producing new dog exercise area maps expected to be finalised later this year.
In conclusion, I thank members both for their recognition of the important role that dogs play in the lives of many Canberrans and also for their concern for the damage that dog attacks can do to members of the community. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
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