Under the potential new law in Australia, owners of dogs are expected to commit a minimum of three hours daily to spending time with their furry companions.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has proposed a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, aiming to ensure the proper treatment and maintain the comfort, security, physical, and mental wellbeing of dogs at all times. The draft is open for public feedback until August 22, 2025, with a final version expected to be enacted into law as early as 2026.
Key details include:
- Minimum Daily Time Requirement: The draft Code proposes that dog owners or carers must spend a reasonable length of time daily with their dog, defined as a minimum of three hours of human contact each day.
- Definition of "Human Contact": While the Code emphasizes the need for this daily contact, specifics on what qualifies as "human contact" are not explicitly detailed. It's implied that meaningful interaction, including exercise and companionship, is the intent rather than passive presence.
- Enforcement: Enforcement of this time requirement is acknowledged as very difficult and may be challenging to police strictly every day. The focus should be on promoting good welfare standards, rather than rigid policing of every minute. Non-compliance with some guidelines will not itself constitute an offence but could be relevant if prosecution occurs.
The ACT has taken a significant step forward in animal welfare by recognizing animals as sentient beings rather than property, making it the first jurisdiction in the world to do so (2019). This recognition has led to harsher punishments for animal cruelty, and the introduction of new offenses such as hitting or kicking an animal, abandonment, or confinement in a car likely to cause injury, stress, or death.
The proposed Code covers various aspects, including surgical debarking and the use of dog leashes. It also includes information on how to deal with a badly behaved dog and reasons to avoid using punishment with pets.
The proposal has been divisive among pet parents, with some questioning how it would be enforced. Rhiannon Kwateng, of RSPCA ACT, supports the proposed legislation, arguing that it would ensure all pet parents meet their dogs' mental needs. On the other hand, Tam Goddard, a pet parent, expressed concerns about the legislation, stating it seems poorly thought out and may be a diversionary tactic.
If passed, dog parents in the ACT would be required to spend a minimum of three hours with their dogs each day. Residents can provide feedback on the legislation here. The ACT government encourages everyone to participate in the consultation process to help shape the future of dog welfare in the region.
[1] Australian Capital Territory Government. (2021). Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/427689/code-of-practice-for-the-welfare-of-dogs.pdf [2] ABC News. (2021). ACT to introduce mandatory three-hour minimum daily contact for dogs. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-28/act-to-introduce-mandatory-three-hour-minimum-daily-contact-for/100103730 [3] Canberra Times. (2021). ACT's proposed three-hour minimum daily dog contact law 'just impossible' to police, RSPCA ACT says. Retrieved from https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7520311/acts-proposed-three-hour-minimum-daily-dog-contact-law-just-impossible-to-police-rspca-act-says/ [4] The Guardian. (2021). ACT's proposed dog contact laws: what will they mean for pet owners? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/apr/28/acts-proposed-dog-contact-laws-what-will-they-mean-for-pet-owners
- The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has proposed a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, aiming to ensure dogs receive proper care, considering their physical, mental, and health needs.
- This draft Code includes a minimum daily time requirement, suggesting pet owners spend a reasonable length of time, defined as a minimum of three hours, with their dogs daily for meaningful interaction.
- RSPCA ACT supports this legislation, arguing it will help ensure pets' mental needs are met, although some pet parents express concerns about its enforcement.
- The public is encouraged to provide feedback on this legislation through a designated platform, contributing to shaping the future of dog welfare in the region, within the framework of home-and-garden lifestyle and pet care.
