If you’ve noticed more furry friends frolicking in your local park lately, you’re not alone. Australia’s love affair with pets has reached new heights, with nearly 70 per cent of households now sharing their homes with a cat, dog, or both.
But as our four-legged population booms, so too do the challenges of responsible pet ownership—and now, some of the country’s biggest councils are sounding the alarm.
Let’s start with the numbers. In New South Wales (NSW), dog attacks have skyrocketed from 900 incidents in 2004 to a staggering 5,000 last year.
That’s more than a fivefold increase in just two decades. And it’s not just the occasional nip or bark—these attacks can devastate people, other pets, and local wildlife.
Randwick City Council, nestled in Sydney’s bustling east, says the problem goes beyond aggression.
There have been reports of owners failing to pick up after their dogs, letting them roam off-leash in restricted areas, and not keeping a close eye on them, especially around children and native animals.
It’s a recipe for conflict, and the council says enough is enough.
Councils demand tougher penalties and new rules
In response, Randwick and neighbouring Waverley Council are leading a push for the NSW government to overhaul pet laws as part of a review of the Companion Animals Act 1998.
Their wish list? Higher fines, stronger enforcement powers, and a bigger focus on education.
The maximum fine for walking a dog off-leash where it’s not allowed is $330, and $275 for failing to clean up after your pooch.
But here’s the kicker: the fine for a dog attacking another dog is the same as if it attacks a child.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker says that’s not good enough.
‘Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that’s why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century,’ he said.
The councils also call for mandatory cat containment, meaning moggies must stay indoors or in secure outdoor enclosures to protect native wildlife.
This move will spark debate, but the evidence is clear: even well-fed domestic cats are prolific hunters, and their impact on birds, reptiles, and small mammals is significant.
Education, not just enforcement
While harsher penalties are considered, both councils stress that education is just as important. Waverley Council suggests that rule-breaking pet owners attend training courses to address their responsibilities.
The goal is to ensure that everyone—humans and animals alike—can safely enjoy our parks and public spaces.
It’s a timely reminder that responsible pet ownership isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about being considerate of your neighbours, protecting our unique wildlife, and ensuring your furry friend is a positive addition to the community.
The pandemic pet boom: Blessing or burden?
The surge in pet ownership didn’t happen by accident. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians turned to pets for companionship and comfort as lockdowns and remote work became the norm.
The result? An estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs now call NSW home, and the national pet population has soared.
But with more pets comes more pressure on public spaces, more potential for conflict, and a greater need for clear, consistent rules. Councils say it’s time for the laws to catch up with reality.
If you’re a pet owner, these proposed changes could mean stricter rules, higher fines, and more accountability.
However, they also offer an opportunity to be part of the solution by setting a good example, supporting local wildlife, and helping to create a safer, cleaner community for everyone.
And if you’ve ever had a run-in with an unruly dog (or a less-than-considerate owner), you’ll know just how significant these changes could be.
Have you noticed more issues with pets in your area? Are tougher fines and stricter rules the answer, or should councils focus more on education and support? And if you’re a pet owner, what steps do you take to be a responsible community member?
Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!
Also read: Are your pets at risk? 281 experts call to ban toxic product sold at major stores
All dogs should have to undergo a training course. This the only way a person can control a dog on or off lead. When a dog is registered proof must be given the dog has been trained or undergoing training with a certificate from a training school or group.