Photo Dogs NSW.
Hilltops Council will be contributing to a widened Discussion Paper which will be
submitted to the Office of Local Government prior to 4 May 2025.
Some of the concerns raised in the submission are the supposed need for: stronger penalties and legislation;
the need for increased public awareness and education, in addition to mandatory
training;
the ability for victims of companion animal attacks to be compensated through
the Courts; and
expanding restricted dog breeds to include ‘American Staffordshire Terriers”
(Staffy’s).
The report in on page 140 of the business paper and concludes on page 150.
The OLG has published the Discussion Paper as the first step of this review and is currently
seeking feedback from local councils to inform future amendments to the CA Act.
The Discussion Paper identifies that the NSW Government aims to transition the CA Act
from being predominantly focused on rules and processes, to legislation focused on
principles and outcomes. The following three focus areas are being considered:
a strategic framework for encouraging the responsible ownership of companion animals;
the compliance and enforcement role of councils; and
companion animal population and rehoming.
In relation to Item 2, the Discussion Paper seeks feedback on changes to legislation that could support responsible pet ownership, support local councils to better manage dangerous and restricted dogs and the appropriateness of current enforcement provisions in the CA Act.
The matter will be voted on by Council at Wednesday night’s meeting April 23.
Dogs NSW provides the following information on the breed at their website.
https://www.dogsnsw.org.au/Breeds/browse-all-breeds/63/American-Staffordshire-Terrier/