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Canberra's dangerous dog laws will be tightened up three months after they came into effect, after an internal review found holes in the legislation. A bill introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday makes technical changes to the laws, which crack down on the management of domestic animals. The legislation came amidst a series of high-profile dog attacks, that culminated with a Canberra woman being killed by her own dog last year. City Services Minister Meegan Fitzharris said the gaps were identified "through the operation of the legislation" and would be patched through "small changes". She said the new amendments made it clearer that anyone handling a dog was responsible for its behaviour, not just its registered owners. Carers or dog walkers can now be fined if the animal attacks on their watch. "We are keen to tighten this up and make sure the principle underpinning the legislation, which is about responsible pet ownership, is extended to anyone who has control of the do, particularly in a public space," Ms Fitzharris said. The bill also makes minor amendments to puppy farming laws, after the government became aware of breeders selling dogs in the ACT that were born interstate. It introduces a definition of breeding into the Domestic Animals Act - which captures the whole process of breeding dogs from insemination to weaning of pups - and wipes out any loopholes, Ms Fitzharris said. "For example, a person can no longer take a dog into NSW to give birth and bring those puppies back into the ACT to wean and sell without a breeding permit," she said. Ms Fitzharris said the ACT's dangerous dog laws had been "successful", with one dog euthanised and another deported under the new provisions. The bill also makes changes to the laws governing racing greyhounds. From May 1, people can own racing greyhounds in Canberra although the sport will be illegal in the ACT. The draft laws gives the registrar the power to refuse to register a racing greyhound if the applicant is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal; disqualified or suspended from participation in greyhound racing; or if the dog is not microchipped. The registrar can also refuse to register a racing greyhound if they believe the applicant cannot care for or control the dog. The bill will be debated next sitting.

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