DOG-related complaints continue to pile up across both Redlands Coast and Brisbane, with new figures showing councils are dealing with reports on an almost daily basis.
With around six million dogs owned across Australia – roughly one for every second household –authorities say effective dog management and responsible ownership are becoming increasingly important as the state works to curb the rise in serious dog attacks.
From July 2024, dog owners have faced strengthened penalties, including on-the-spot fines for failing to keep a dog under effective control in public, and penalties of up to 700 penalty units – or even imprisonment – if an owner encourages an attack that results in grievous bodily harm or death.
Further reforms introduced in August 2024 allow councils to more clearly determine when destruction orders must or may be made and formally prohibit five breeds now considered high risk in Queensland.
Councils are also required to document and monitor declared dangerous or menacing dogs through a Regulated Dog Register.
A Redland City Council spokesperson said that between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, Council received 330 complaints relating to negative dog behaviour, which generally refers to dog attacks or dogs acting aggressively.
Council received more than 2500 animal-related complaints over the same period.
Council confirmed it is proactive in compliance on animal management and has for many years had a ban on the five dangerous dog breeds that were recently banned statewide under the Queensland Government reforms.
“The outcomes of complaints lodged with Council are dependent on the nature and severity of the incident, with possible penalties including fines, a dog being declared a regulated dog (menacing or dangerous), prosecution of an owner through the Magistrates Court, or a dog being destroyed,” a spokesperson said.
“Incidences of negative dog behaviour over the past three financial years have been city-wide and included a variety of dog breeds.
“The impact on people, dogs and other animals is appreciable, and Council does everything it reasonably can to educate around responsible pet ownership and penalise those responsible for negative dog behaviour under the laws that apply.”
The spokesperson also confirmed none of the fines collected were directed to the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League or Dogs Queensland, with all funds going into general revenue while contributing nominally to animal management services.
The RSPCA has responsibility for animal welfare matters in South East Queensland, while Council oversees general animal management.
“Council encourages responsible pet ownership, which includes ensuring dogs are adequately contained on their property and are exercised on-lead unless in a designated dog off-leash area,” a spokesperson said.
Brisbane City Council, which has dealt with more than 1500 animal incidents so far in the 2024-25 financial year, echoed the importance of shared responsibility.
Chair for Customer Services Sarah Hutton said safety was a team effort and pet owners were a big part of it.
“With more than 106,000 registered dogs across Brisbane, the vast majority of owners do the right thing, but we need every person to play their part in keeping people and other animals safe.”
