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Tough new laws designed to make dog owners more accountable for attacks will be introduced to the ACT Legislative Assembly by the ACT Opposition this week. The Canberra Liberals' push for tighter laws comes as Domestic Animal Services figures show that 218 dog attacks were reported in the ACT between January and late May this year, with humans the victims in 94 of those cases. Dog attacks are a growing problem in the ACT, with 389 reported in 2016-17, up from just 85 in 2012-13. Deputy Opposition leader Nicole Lawder, who will table the proposed laws on Wednesday, said the proposed legislation aimed to protect pet owners and domestic animals, which often struggled to survive an attack. The Liberals believe the current laws are not strong enough, and that there are probably more attacks that go unreported. "I have heard from many victims and witnesses to dog attacks who are concerned at how little is done after a dog attack," Ms Lawder said. "I have seen grief turn to anger when they learn that attacking dogs are let back into the community and their owners are let off the hook. "It's not fair. We need better laws to protect our furry friends and Canberrans." Ms Lawder said she would table an exposure draft of the Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 on Wednesday. She said the draft bill would be the first in a series of proposed new animal welfare laws creating clear and simple steps to make dog owners accountable after an attack. The proposed laws require a registrar to investigate complaints of dog attacks where a person or domestic animal is killed or seriously injured. During the course of the investigation, which must be documented, the offending dog would have to be impounded. The draft bill also stipulates that complainants, dog owners and the minister must be told of the outcome of the investigation within two weeks of it being completed. If the offending dog is not destroyed, the registrar would be required to issue a control order and declare the animal dangerous. Ms Lawder, the Canberra Liberals' urban services spokeswoman, said her dog Kenny had been part of her family for 11 years. She said while most Canberrans shared her love of dogs, not all owners were responsible and not all dogs were safe. "It is clear to me that dog attacks are both an animal welfare and public safety issue," Ms Lawder said. Once the draft legislation is tabled on Wednesday, submissions will be open via the ACT Legislation Register until October 12. The Canberra Liberals are seeking feedback at www.haveyoursay.net.au/dogattacks.

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