Owner of dogs that left man seriously injured to face harsher penalties under state law

The owner of dogs that attacked and seriously injured a man in Brisbane’s north is expected to face elevated penalties under state law.

The two dogs were captured by police after mauling a 37-year-old man in parkland in Chermside on October 16.

The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his arms.

In a statement, Brisbane City Council chair for customer services Councillor Sarah Hutton said the seriousness of the attack required “much tougher penalties” under state law, rather than council by-laws.

“We know people want swift action and so do we, but we must follow the state government’s strict legal processes,” Cr Hutton said.

She said penalties under the state’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act were stronger than the maximum available to the council.

Under state law the owner faces a maximum fine of $120,890 or two years in jail, compared with a $51,810 maximum fine available to the council.

Police were also working to determine whether a second man found dead in the same area two days later had been killed by the dogs.

Dogs’ fate to be decided

A destruction order issued for the dogs last weekend was rescinded on Wednesday when the council instead issued a proposed dangerous dog declaration and the dogs remained “securely held”.

The dogs had not previously been declared dangerous and were registered at a nearby address.

The owner has two weeks to respond to the proposed dangerous dog declaration.

Any response will be considered by council before a decision is made on the dogs’ fate, with one more chance to appeal to the Queensland Administrative Tribunal.

Potential destruction of the dogs will also depend on the progress of the police investigation, which is ongoing. No charges have been laid.

“We’re also working closely with Queensland Police and the progress of our enforcement action will depend on their ongoing investigations,” Cr Hutton said.

“We will use every power available to us to protect residents and hold irresponsible dog owners to account.” ABCNEWS