The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department says a new phase of its dog-capture operation began on 8 October and is planned to run for four months. Teams will prioritise places where dogs have attacked pedestrians or stray dogs gather, targeting dogs left unattended.
After capturing a dog, staff will check for a microchip and valid licence, use registration details to contact its owner and check records of lost dogs. The department says it will work closely with police and, where necessary, conduct joint enforcement operations to ensure keepers meet their responsibilities. Keepers may be prosecuted if there is sufficient evidence.
If an owner cannot be found, animal management staff and veterinarians will assess the dog. Those confirmed to be healthy and gentle may be transferred to a partner animal-welfare organisation for sterilisation and adoption. The department says it will not release dogs without an owner directly back into the community.