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Pet owners could now be fined up to $4000 for not walking their dog

The new law that affects dog owners. - by Laura Barry
  • 27 Sep 2019
Pet owners could now be fined up to $4000 for not walking their dog

Most of us consider our pet to be a precious little life that needs to be loved and cared for, but one Australian state has gone ahead and finally acknowledged animal sentience lawfully. 

The Australian Capital Territory government has put new laws into action this week. The state is the first in Australia to lawfully recognise animals as ‘sentient beings’,  and new legislation says that animals deserve to be ‘treated with compassion’ and have a quality of life that ‘reflects their intrinsic value’.

What does the legislation mean?

These laws now mean that any dog owner can now be fined on-the-spot up to $4000 for not walking their dog at least once per day, or for forcing the dog to live in a confined space that restricts freedom of movement, such as being tied up.

Chris Steel on Twitter

The law also states that is a dog is confined without the ability to exercise adequately for 24 continuous hours, the owner must then take them to exercise for the next two hours.

However, if the animal has plenty of room to run around and exercise, owners would not face punishment. Similar fines also apply if owners cannot supply appropriate food, shelter and water.

You can view the new legislation HERE.

RELATED: How to prepare your pooch for the great outdoors this summer 

Do you have a pet first aid kit? Dr Harry has the guide to getting it right in the video below.  

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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