Victoria state Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said four new offences would be added to the Crimes Act so owners of dangerous, menacing or restricted dog breeds could be jailed if their animal endangered a life or caused death.
"We are sending a clear message to owners of these dogs: if your animal endangers life or kills somebody, you will be held accountable," Walsh said.
"The most serious offences apply if the dog in question kills another person and carries the same penalties as dangerous driving causing death."
The state government move follows the death of Ayen Chol in August, after the child was ripped from her mother and mauled by a neighbour`s pitbull-mastiff cross which ran into her Melbourne home.
The changes mean that owners of dangerous dogs will also be fined up to Aus$2,442 (US$2,525) should they fail to notify local authorities if they move address or if the animal escapes.
A fine of Aus$4,885 will apply if the animal is not properly under control outside the owner`s property, while restricted dog breeds must also wear warning collars to alert the public they are potentially dangerous.
Victoria authorities have already toughened laws regarding certain dog breeds and any American pitbull terrier not registered by its owners by the end of this month will be destroyed.
While the new laws apply only in Victoria, national Attorney-General Robert McClelland has indicated he would support similar legislation across the country.
(U.C003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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