In proposed Australian legislation, dog owners would need to devote three hours daily to their pets' company
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is set to introduce a new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, designed to ensure all dogs in the region receive proper care and welfare that maintains their comfort, security, and physical and mental wellbeing [2][4].
Key elements of the proposed Code include mandatory standards and recommended guidelines. Mandatory standards outline strict regulations, such as the requirement for dogs 12 weeks or older to be microchipped, and dogs over six months to be desexed unless a permit is obtained. Other mandatory standards include secure confinement, the prohibition of surgical debarking, and the provision of fresh, clean water at all times [2].
Recommended guidelines offer best practices for dog care, including the encouragement of at least three hours of human contact per day, the discouragement of retractable leads, and the provision of clean bedding and adequate shelter [1][3][4].
Rhiannon Kwateng of RSPCA ACT supports the proposed legislation, stating that most dog parents already spend more than three hours with their canines and that the code would ensure they all meet their pets' mental needs [3]. However, not all pet parents share this sentiment. Tam Goddard, a pet parent, has expressed skepticism about the legislation, suggesting it may be a diversionary tactic [3].
The Code aims to set enforceable animal welfare laws and provide practical definitions and guidance that help in enforcement and prosecution where welfare standards are not met. It is meant to reflect evolving community expectations on proper dog care and welfare, replacing the earlier 2010 Code of Practice once finalized [2][3].
Public feedback on the draft Code is being sought until August 22, 2023, before the final version is released, expected in early 2026 [2]. The ACT has a strong recent track record in animal welfare, being the first jurisdiction in the world to recognize animals as sentient beings in 2019 [3].
In addition to the Code of Practice, the ACT's Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill has made punishments for animal cruelty more severe. New offenses such as hitting or kicking an animal, abandonment, or confinement in a car likely to cause injury, stress, or death have been added [3].
Enforcement of the new dog welfare legislation in the ACT could be challenging, but details will be worked out once the laws are decided upon. The legislation covers various aspects of dog care, including surgical debarking and the use of dog leashes [3].
Residents of the ACT are encouraged to have their say on the matter, with the proposed legislation allowing them to express their thoughts on the new regulations [3]. The legislation has received mixed reactions, with some pet parents concerned about what constitutes "human contact" and how it would be policed [3].
Sources: [1] ABC News - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-17/code-of-practice-for-the-welfare-of-dogs-proposed-in-act/138501546 [2] Canberra Weekly - https://www.canberraweekly.com.au/news/local-news/proposed-code-of-practice-for-dogs-in-act-aims-to-improve-canine-care/ [3] The Canberra Times - https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7536593/code-of-practice-for-dogs-proposed-in-act/ [4] RSPCA ACT - https://www.rspca-act.org.au/news/proposed-code-of-practice-welfare-dogs-act-2023
- The new Code of Practice for Dogs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) emphasizes the importance of pet health, mandating standards such as microchipping and desexing, while recommending guidelines for optimal pet care like daily human contact and adequate shelter.
- Controversy surrounds the proposed Code of Practice for Dogs in the ACT, with some pet parents questioning the requirement for specific hours of human contact and expressing concerns about how this would be enforced.
- In addition to the Code of Practice, the ACT's Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill has increased penalties for animal cruelty, adding new offenses such as hitting or kicking an animal and abandonment.
- The public is currently invited to provide feedback on the draft Code of Practice for Dogs until August 22, 2023, with the final version expected in early 2026.
- The ACT's Code of Practice for Dogs aims to improve the lifestyle and welfare of pets at home and in the garden, reflecting evolving community expectations and setting enforceable animal welfare laws.
