Prosecutions bite dog owners

Some dog owners are having a rough trot through Geraldton Magistrate’s Court as prosecutions arising from the 2013 Dog Act continue to bite.

Not only have they received fines of between $500 and $800 fines for failing to register their dogs and not ensuring their dogs are microchipped, they are being ordered to pay $490 for legal and other costs of each prosecution.

In the Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, six dog owners were convicted in their absence and the fines and costs imposed after Magistrate Donna Webb was satisfied they had been served notice to attend court.

She was told the offences went back to January this year, with the owners being repeatedly warned by City of Greater Geraldton rangers court action would be taken if they failed to register and microchip their dogs.

A seventh owner, who failed to register and microchip his dog over an 18-month period, and did not attend court, had his case adjourned to August 27 because he potentially faces a higher fine.

Under the Dog Act, penalties for failing to register and microchip dogs can go as high as $5000.