People In ACT Will Now Be Fined Up To $4,000 If They Don't Walk Their Dog

Owning a pet comes with loads of responsibilities. This isn't some fern someone gifted you as a house warming, this is an animal that needs a number of things to ensure that it doesn't go mad and stays fit and healthy.

That's why lawmakers in the Australian Capital Territory have passed legislation that will fine owners if they don't keep up with their responsibilities.

Specifically, the new law will mean owners could cop a fine up to $4,000 if they don't walk their dog at least once a day.

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City Services Minister Chris Steel said: "We've sadly seen recent incidents across our city of animal welfare abuses occurring and we need laws that allow us to take appropriate, balanced action against people who are doing the wrong thing."

We know life can get in the way sometimes, but you certainly don't want to be forking out four figures every time you have to stay late for work.

It's worth noting that this won't apply to homeowners who have a backyard as legislations reckon that provides enough room for the animal to get some fresh air, use the bathroom, soak up the sun and enjoy itself.

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How authorities are going to keep tabs on this is anyone's guess but you can only imagine it will rely on neighbours dobbing each other in.

Mr Steel said he wants animals to feel like they are respected in the house.

"I think most dog owners, most cat owners know their animals do feel emotion," he said in a statement earlier this year.

"All animals should have a good quality of life, and we want to strengthen our laws to ensure that all animals are respected and properly cared for in the ACT.

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"We know that Canberrans really value and care for the welfare animals in our community and our Government is moving to strengthen protections for the welfare of animals and our approach to animal cruelty."

Hopefully these laws take us one step closer to ensuring animals across the ACT are safe and happy.

There's nothing worse than seeing an animal in pain or distress and if this legislation stops just one dog or cat or something experiencing that then we can all be happy.

Topics: Community, Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie