Legislation to strengthen control of dogs after a rise in animal attacks remains on hold although a pilot online relicensing system is about to be launched.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment last week confirmed the delay and said that recommendations were under “active review”.

“As the public will know, the Government's dog policy now falls under the Ministry of Public Works and Environment,” a ministry spokesman said.

“As noted during the recent Budget debate, attention is being given to improving aspects of animal control, including promoting responsible dog ownership and exploring regulatory updates.

“Legislative options and communication strategies, including proposals previously developed within the Government, are under active review.

“Once they are finalised, further details on public awareness campaigns, ticketing regulations or legislative amendments will be shared.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs, which used to have oversight of animal control, announced as far back as January 2024 that legislation would be tabled that summer.

It cited an uptick in animal attacks, including two loose dogs that caused enough mayhem that the fire department was called.

A Canine Advisory Committee was formed to give direction on how to best amend the Dogs Act 2008.

Walter Roban, then Minister of Home Affairs, said in July that his ministry had received recommendations from the ad hoc committee.

Mr Roban said that dog wardens could receive additional support and that some specific breeds may face restrictions.

A ticketing system that animal wardens could use for minor infractions was expected to go into force last September — but still has not gone forward.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, spoke on the matter as the House of Assembly debated his ministry’s Budget last month.

He confirmed that recommendations from the ad hoc Canine Advisory Unit were now being considered.

He added: “This year, the [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] will continue its work to implement the new ticketing and citations regulations that will provide more efficient enforcement and mandatory bite reports for better data collection and informed management.

“The Animal Control sections will continue to implement the Dogs Act 2008 with a view to improve the keeping of animals and promote the prevention of bites and injuries.

“The department will be implementing a campaign to increase public awareness of the Dogs Act and the responsibility of owners.”

Mr Adams said that 1,027 complaints had been investigated by the DENR in the 2023-24 fiscal year and that the average response time improved by one day.

He said: “These numbers do not reflect the complexity of cases and the burden of housing and caring for the 387 taken in over the year.”

Mr Adams echoed Mr Roban’s previous sentiments that the rise in incidents was caused by irresponsible dog ownership and improper management.

He said that, while animal control had been working “diligently” to address this, the responsibility could not fall solely on them.

Mr Adams said: “The management of dogs is a community issue. Dogs are supposed to be a man’s best friend and we need to treat them as such.”

He confirmed that Animal Control officers received specialised training to ensure the safety of themselves and animals involved.

He told the House that 30 per cent of eligible dogs last year had been licensed, which was a slight uptick from the previous year’s 26 per cent.

He said the lack of licensing was likely affected by “ongoing economic challenges in the community” along with a lack of awareness on behalf of dog owners.

Mr Adams told MPs that the DENR had set a target of 40 per cent of all eligible dogs to be licensed over the next fiscal year.

He said this would be assisted by a “widespread publicity campaign” and enforcement tools.

Mr Adams added: “Advancements were made for an online government pilot dog licence renewal system, which has undergone some beta tests and the issues identified are currently being addressed.

“The final roll-out is anticipated very soon, following final testing to ensure accuracy of information available to the public.

“It is noted that the new online government pilot licensing system is not for new licences, due to the various checks required for new pets, but for licence renewals.”

The slow pace of legislation was touched on in the past, with Robin Tucker, then Opposition Leader in the Senate, questioning last June why laws had not come into effect.