$806 fine for off-leash dogs following state law change: new Council s

Published on 11 February 2025

Goondiwindi Regional Council has installed new signs at popular dog-walking spots in the Goondiwindi Region to remind local dog owners that stricter penalties for wandering dogs now apply following Queensland Government law changes.

State law changes introduced in 2024 include a new on-the-spot fine of $806 for anyone not keeping a dog under control when in a public place. This means that anyone walking a dog without a leash in a public place (excluding the Botanical Gardens off-leash area) could face a fine.

The penalty therefore applies to any wandering dogs collected by Council.

Deputy Mayor Rob Mackenzie holds Council’s portfolio for Regulatory Services and said that while the state law changes are not a Council decision, Council is required to implement them locally. He said the best way to avoid fines is to register and microchip your dog - and ensure you always keep them on the lead in public.

“By registering and microchipping your dog, we can quickly contact you and return your pet for free for the first time if it is found wandering,” Cr Mackenzie said. “In fact, we were able to return 29 dogs to their owners in 2024 without penalty under our free release incentive for registered animals.

“Hopefully these new signs will help to remind dog owners to ensure their animals are always on a leash and under control in public spaces to avoid these penalties,” he said. “Even if you think your dog is well-behaved off the lead, I can tell you that Council gets frequent reports from residents – especially our more vulnerable or elderly community members – who have been rushed at or frightened by off-lead dogs. Or from those with reactive dogs who are doing the right thing and keeping them on a lead – only to be approached by an off-leash dog who’s not responding to its owner.

“Under the new state laws – that would attract a fine,” he said. “At the end of the day, most responsible pet owners already ensure their animals are well cared for and securely contained. These new laws are designed to encourage others to do the same and to protect the safety of our community.”

The law changes come as part of a suite of 2024 state government amendments to encourage better animal management practices. The most significant change is the introduction of a fine of up to $112,910 and possible jail time for serious or fatal dog attacks.

In Queensland, all town dogs must be registered with the local council before they are 12 weeks old. The registration period is from 1 January to 31 December each year.

For more information about registering your dog, visit: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/Residents/Animals/Registration

For more information about the new Queensland Government changes to dog ownership laws, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/families/government/pets/pet-laws#changes