DOGS on death row will have a reprieve as the Victorian government launches a parliamentary inquiry into breed-specific legislation.
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A moratorium on killing restricted breed dogs was introduced in Parliament this week, preventing councils from putting down animals they believe come under that category.
The ban will remain in place while the planned inquiry examines the strict legislation introduced by the previous Coalition government in 2013.
It’s a move that’s been rejected by Benambra MP Bill Tilley, who did not believe an inquiry was necessary, but welcomed by Wodonga man Ljubisa Stanic.
Mr Stanic made headlines late last year when he battled Wodonga Council and won a bid to save his dog Sonny.
A council ranger picked up Sonny and refused to release him, believing him to be an American pit bull terrier; Mr Stanic maintained he was a French bull mastiff cross.
“This sounds like a great idea,” he said yesterday upon hearing news of the moratorium.
“It will stop innocent family pets being murdered.”
The laws provide a range of strict controls on owning restricted breeds and allows councils to destroy them.
Breed-specific legislation has been criticised by pet owners, animal rights groups and veterinarians, who believe there is room for error in declaring dog breeds.
Mr Stanic added to that sentiments similar to the adage: “Punish the deed, not the breed”.
“They should judge every dog on its merit not its breed, and go from there,” he said.
“I hope this opens people’s eyes to this legislation and people get more educated about these dogs.”
But Mr Tilley said the Coalition had taken “a strong position” on dog breeds and did not agree a parliamentary inquiry was necessary.
“We did an enormous amount of work on this (legislation),” he said.
“We know it’s not always the dog, that the owner and environment also influence things.
“But there are some dogs that have a natural propensity to attack, and those dogs in the wrong hands can lead to disaster.”
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the inquiry would investigate the arrangements, benefits and challenges of the legislation for restricted dog breeds.
“There are dangerous dogs still in the community and other dogs being put down that are known to be safe,” Ms Pulford said.
“Local councils and veterinarians are concerned and even the Supreme Court described these laws as incoherent.”
