Keep your dogs on your property

By Daneka Hill

May 12, 2021

Regional Victorian dog owners are being targeted by a new advertising campaign which reads them the riot act over roaming dogs.

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Dogs left to roam can land their owners in court if discovered harming or intimidating people or animals.

This message is more important than ever as lambing season approaches.

Animal Welfare Victoria pets director Tracey Marsden said it was law to confine your dog.

“This means yards must have a closed gate and an escape-proof fence that it can't jump over or get through,” Dr Marsden said.

Most dog attacks in public places occur on the footpath or road in front of the attacking dog's property.

Farmers can legally shoot a dog on their property if they have reasonable belief the dog is attacking their livestock and is not accompanied by an owner.

Launched by Animal Welfare Victoria on May 12, the ads use scare tactics to make owners take notice of their legal obligation to confine their dogs securely on their property.

The campaign will run until June 26 across digital, print and outdoor media.

By Daneka Hill

Journalist