Horrific fatal mauling of baby boy could change pet ownership in Australia forever

Dog ownership in Australia could soon be subject to new laws, including a permit required to keep the pets, with the issue set to be revisited after a series of dog attacks.

NSW owners could also be hit with increased penalties if their dog attacks and harms someone, and if they ignore notices about how the dog should be kept.

People who own a dog for safety reasons could also be affected by the proposed abolition of legislation that exempts owners from liability if their dog attacks an offender.

NSW coroners have conducted a series of investigations into fatal dog attacks.

Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes delivered her findings on Friday following an inquest into the July 2021 death of a five-week-old baby at a Central Coast home, saying there had been a worrying number of fatal dog attacks in the state since 2009.

The mother had been holding the baby in a rocking chair, fell asleep and woke up to find the baby lying on his bedroom floor suffering from fatal stab wounds.

Like several others, the attack involved an American Staffordshire terrier, which is currently not a restricted breed, although the city council had decided months earlier to request that it be listed as such.

According to local government data, the breed had the highest number of attacks between 2018 and 2021.

NSW dog owners could face increased penalties if their dog attacks or harms someone

The dog was purchased from a breeder advertising on online marketplaces, who provided no documentation of the dog breed, which was also not microchipped.

The animal has now been euthanized.

The “tragic and untimely death” demonstrated the need to review and amend pet ownership laws, Ms Forbes said.

She made a series of recommendations that, along with other research, will form the basis for an upcoming overhaul of the state’s pet laws.

The recommendations include considering a possible licensing scheme, higher penalties and more responsibility – and liability – for owners.

“The current regulatory regime is not effective in minimizing the risk of serious or fatal dog attacks,” Forbes said.

Existing penalties were also too low to deter non-compliance with the laws, she said.

Under Queensland laws introduced in 2024, the owner of a dog that kills or seriously injures someone could be fined more than $100,000 or jailed for three years.

Ms Forbes said more public education is also needed about the risks dogs pose, how to select a suitable breed and how to handle them, care for them, train them and socialize them.

American Staffordshire terriers have been involved in the highest number of dog attacks in NSW

American Staffordshire terriers have been involved in the highest number of dog attacks in NSW

The coroner advised dog owners to consider a permit, which could require them to complete a safety program, while specific breeds may require an additional permit.

Owners may also be required to prove they are fit to own certain types of dogs.

It has also been recommended to review parts of laws that could limit the ability of council officers to impose restrictions on a dog.

Ms Forbes acknowledged that some might view further regulations on dog ownership as onerous.

“Any harm is offset by the saving of lives and prevention of injury,” she said.

If any changes are made, they will only come after the review of the state’s pet laws, which will take place following the completion of the current dog attack investigations and a parliamentary inquiry.