The Government is considering measures to address an increasing number of complaints about dogs and a surge of animals being collected.

Lindsay Simmons-Wilson, the Junior Minister of Home Affairs, told the Senate that between 2021 and 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources dog-related complaints doubled and the number of animals collected has tripled.

She added that the number of reports of animals biting people has doubled, the number of incidents involving dogs biting or injuring another animal has more than doubled, and the number of animals euthanased had almost doubled.

“These data points result from a significant rise in the number of unlicensed, unsocialised dogs, a very high percentage of which are of the American pitbull breed and pitbull-type dogs,” Ms Simmons added.

“You will recall that in 2018 this government responded to calls to ease prior restrictions on this breed. We gave the community that which it asked for, and now the time has come to ask whether this community has collectively demonstrated that we are responsible enough to maintain this breed.

“When I consider the rising incidence of biting and injury, I think of the people and beloved pets that have fallen victim to dogs being out of control. Some of these people are vulnerable senior citizens and children.

“I think of the wounds and mutilations, the horrible fear these victims must have endured, the anguish and psychological scars that may remain long after the physical wounds have healed.”

Ms Simmons said that the Ad hoc Canine Advisory, which includes multiple stakeholder groups, had been reconvened recently to discuss the issue and possible solutions.

She said public education was one part of the process, stating: “We have found that many dog owners are simply ignorant of their legal and social responsibilities.”

Ms Simmons said a public education campaign had already been initiated, and the Government would partner with local dog interest groups as part of the process.

“We need to create a different and new environment, and change public perception and attitudes,” she said.

“We need an environment in which receivers of puppies demand better breeding and care by breeders, and breeders demand better of new owners; and that the needs of the animals are met.

“This increased education will lead to more responsible breeding, more responsible ownership, safer, well-adjusted dogs and a safer community.”

Ms Simmons said an amnesty had been raised, but that any such proposal would not be a “get-out-of-jail-free card” for continuing wrongful, irresponsible or illegal activity.

“Any amnesty will be for a limited period of time, after which strong enforcement will follow,” she said.

Ms Simmons said that the Animal Control team recently took part in animal control officer training at the Animal Control and Care Academy in Dayton, Ohio.

“Our wardens successfully received formal training in essential aspects of basic and advanced ACO training,” she said.

“They demonstrated competency in safe animal handling, lifting and loading, appropriate use of equipment to ensure the safety of themselves and the animals, thermometry training, animal attack investigations and euthanasia.

“Wardens were exposed to the strong link between animal offences and drug offences, between animal cruelty and domestic violence.

“Yes, in the course of their duties, animal wardens do come across sites of drug offences. They also do have a role in identifying and protecting victims of child, spousal and elder abuse.

“Hence, a representative of the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors participated in this aspect of the warden training, as it highlight the interdepartmental co-operative approach required to address incidence of domestic violence.”

Ms Simmons said discussions will take place with the Department of Public Prosecutions and the senior magistrate in an effort to hasten dog cases in the courts to benefit all parties, including the dogs.

“While we fully respect the legal rights of any defendant, the judicial process must be conducted in timely fashion that minimises the incarceration of a dog,” she said.

“Prolonged holding of an animal may lead to unwarranted psychological stress upon the animal. Resultantly, the dog may engage in self-harm, and become increasingly difficult to handle and more dangerous to wardens as time goes on.”

Ms Simmons said other considerations have included banning all dog breeding or limiting importation to only spayed and neutered dogs.

“We are actively working on solutions to alleviate the problem issues seen with dogs,” she said. “The complex issues surrounding dogs have persisted for decades, and we are moving collaboratively forward to address them.

“The primary goal is to have our canine companions be happy and civil members of our community.”