IT’S ILLEGAL TO NOT WALK YOUR DOG: HUGE FINES FOR OWNERS WHO DON’T TAKE THEIR PETS OUT EVERY DAY IN ONE STATE – AND NOW THERE ARE CALLS FOR THE LAW TO BE INTRODUCED ACROSS AUSTRALIA

An animal rights group is calling for a tough law that sees pet owners fined $4,000 if they don’t take their dog for a walk introduced in every state.

As of March last year, pet owners in the ACT face hefty fines if their dog is cooped up inside for a whole day and not exercised within the next two hours.

The legislation recognises that animals are sentient beings who have the ability to feel their environment and experience sensations such as pain, suffering or pleasure.

Rebecca Linigen, National Director at FOUR PAWS Australia is now calling on other state governments to act and introduce similar legislation.

‘It is encouraging that the Australian Capital Territory government has also enacted this important legislation, hopefully we will see the rest of the states quickly follow suit,’ she told the Daily Mail Australia.

‘Providing our beloved companions with adequate care shouldn’t need to be governed by law. However, if this law does create a positive impact on animal welfare, and preventing animal neglect, then it’s something we should all support,’ she said.

She says dogs that don’t get exercise and positive human interaction can develop many problems.

‘Without enough exercise, they may develop behavioural problems such as barking incessantly or destroying things out of frustration, which sadly results in huge numbers of animal being surrendered to shelters every year,’ she explained.

‘Proper socialisation, which happens when walking your dog or taking them to a dog park, ensures they feel comfortable with other dogs and humans. A lack of socialisation is emotionally damaging as it can make a dog fearful, aggressive and hostile towards other dogs and people.’

Under the rules in the ACT, owners wouldn’t be fined if their dogs were kept in a backyard where they can run around or if it needs to be kept inside for their own wellbeing.

Pet owners who don’t give their animals adequate food, water and shelter will also cop a $4,000 fine.

ACT residents who are involved with dog fighting and other violent animal enterprises face fines of up to $48,000 and three years behind bars. 

Linigen says Australia needs stricter laws for the protection of animals and harsher penalties for perpetrators of animal cruelty.

‘Dogs need greater protection from major welfare issues such as puppy farming and overbreeding,’ she said.

She also called on the government to introduce tougher legislation to prevent the breeding of dogs with exaggerated physical features and genetic disorders.

Her comments come just days after Norway banned the selective breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, after a court ruled that the practice is cruel and results in ‘man-made health problems’ for the animals.