Pet owners in Australia may be required to spend three hours daily with their furry companions under proposed legislative changes
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has proposed a new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which includes a requirement that dog owners must spend a minimum of three hours daily providing human contact to their pets. The draft code also bans retractable leads and debarking surgeries, stipulates that dogs need access to adequate shelter outdoors and comfortable conditions indoors, and mandates clean environments and frequent replenishment of food and water.
The proposal has been divisive among pet parents, with some questioning how it would be enforced. Tam Goddard, a pet parent, expressed concerns about the legislation's enforcement and definition of "human contact." Rhiannon Kwateng, of RSPCA ACT, however, supports the proposed legislation, stating that most dog parents already spend more than three hours with their pets and that the code would ensure they meet their pets' mental needs.
The new Code of Practice aims to ensure that all dogs receive proper treatment to maintain their comfort, security, physical, and mental wellbeing. The ACT government is seeking public feedback on the draft Code until 22 August 2023 to ensure the standards reflect community expectations.
In addition to the three-hour daily contact rule, the draft code includes guidance on how to deal with a badly behaved dog and reasons to avoid using punishment with pets. The Code covers various aspects, including surgical debarking and the use of dog leashes.
Non-compliance with guidelines alone does not constitute an offence but may be used as evidence in prosecutions regarding appropriate care. The enforcement mechanisms for the new legislation are yet unclear, with questions remaining about how the three-hour daily contact rule would be monitored or enforced effectively.
The ACT has a strong recent track record in animal welfare, having recognised animals as sentient beings in 2019. Punishments for animal cruelty were made more severe, and new offenses like hitting or kicking an animal, abandonment, or confinement in a car likely to cause injury, stress, or death were added in the Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill.
Breaking into a car to protect an animal is a legal action allowed in the ACT, under certain conditions. A person is legally allowed to break into a car to protect an animal, provided there are no other feasible options, like calling the police.
The public consultation on the new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs is open until 22 August 2023. Residents can have their say and tell the government what they think on the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs here.
Some critics suggest that the legislation might be a diversionary tactic due to budget and health system problems. However, the ACT government maintains that the proposed Code is a crucial step towards ensuring the welfare of dogs in the region.
[1] ACT Government News Release [2] RSPCA ACT Statement [3] ABC News Article
- The new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, as proposed by the ACT government, mandates that dog owners should provide at least three hours of human contact to their pets daily.
- The draft code also includes guidance on dealing with a poorly behaved dog and the reasons why punishment should be avoided with pets.
- Despite concerns about enforcement, Rhiannon Kwateng of RSPCA ACT supports the proposed legislation, stating that it would help ensure dogs' mental needs are met.
- The public consultation on the new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs is open until 22 August 2023 for residents to voice their opinions on the matter.
