Pets Can Be Big Hassle
Sun Herald
Sunday January 28, 1996
THE fatal mauling of a Toowoomba woman by an American pit bull, and the recent spate of dog attacks in NSW, have highlighted the problems of dangerous pets in the community.
This week alone in NSW a 54 year-old woman and a 12 year-old girl were victims of attacks.
One problem is to what extent a pet's behaviour is the result of irresponsible ownership.
"It is very easy to blame the dog," says the Humane Society International's animal welfare campaigner, Tim Childs, "but a lot of the blame lies with the owner."
The society, with the assistance of the Law Society of NSW, has responded to the recent attacks by producing a 16-page booklet entitled, Pets, The Law And You in NSW.
The booklet is a must for every pet owner and Sun-Herald readers can get a free copy by writing to:
Humane Society Inc-
Australian Office
PO Box 302 Avalon NSW 2107,
or phone: (02) 9918 3277,
or fax: (02) 9973 1729
Mr Childs describes it as a "user-friendly guide to your rights and responsibilities as a pet owner under the law".
The booklet covers legal issues about dogs, cats and native fauna, as well as other aspects of pet ownership such as transport and travel, accommodation, injuries and insurance. Other important areas highlighted by the booklet are what to do if you have problems with your neighbours' pets, and how to deal with your pet's death.
"After consultation with the RSPCA and the Fund for Animals we perceived there was a need for this booklet," Mr Childs said. "While the majority of pet owners are responsible, a lot aren't aware of what their rights and responsibilities are.
"Pet ownership can lead to all sorts of legal complications, and we felt there was a need for a nice easy guide that would explain these types of issue."
This great booklet, Pets, The Law And You will be launched on Tuesday at the Kiosk, Rushcutters Bay Park, by Agriculture Minister Richard Amery.
© 1996 Sun Herald
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