Got a dog? You might be required to spend time with them soon—here’s why
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If you’re a dog lover living in the ACT, you might want to sit (or heel!) for this one: the territory’s government is considering a new law that would require dog owners to spend at least three hours a day with their furry friends.
Yes, you read that right—three hours, every single day, or you could be in the doghouse with the law!
But why is this law being considered? What’s the story behind it?
The draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT is currently up for public feedback, and it’s already got tongues wagging.
The proposal aims to make it compulsory for owners to provide 'human contact for a reasonable length of time each day (three hours minimum)'. The code also suggests other changes, like discouraging the use of retractable leads and restricting surgical debarking.
But as with any new rule, the big question is: how on earth would this be enforced? Are we going to see doggy timekeepers patrolling the suburbs, stopwatch in hand? Or will it be up to neighbours to dob in anyone who leaves their pooch alone for too long?
Dog Owners Divided: Is This a Step Too Far
Not everyone is wagging their tail at the idea. Campbell local Tam Goddard, who’s had her rescue kelpie Ruff for seven years, thinks the plan is a bit half-baked.
'How are they going to police that?' she asks. 'Do we rely on people dobbing in each other? How do you define human contact? Do they need to be sitting right next to you, or do you need to walk them?'
Tam also wonders if the government’s priorities are in the right place, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. 'We have a lot of problems with the budget, with the health system. Call me a cynic, but maybe this is a diversionary tactic,' she says. She points out that while the government is focusing on dog welfare, there are plenty of humans in need of support too. ‘
Do they worry about human contact for the homeless? Who is going to go and talk to them? Do we have more programs to support them? The government, most of the time, leaves it to the charities to take care of those not so fortunate in our city and you don't need to walk far to see them.’
Also read: ‘I had a hand in killing my dog’: The treatment some owners wish they never tried
And with the recent introduction of an $11 fee for volunteers working with vulnerable people, some feel the government is making it harder for people to help each other, while simultaneously adding new rules for pet owners.
Goddard indeed, ‘Why is the government getting into this sort of thing? I'm worried. Does it mean I have to look over my shoulder as to how I am looking after my dog?’
Animal Welfare Advocates: It’s About More Than Just Walkies
On the other side of the fence, animal welfare groups like the RSPCA ACT are all for the proposed changes.
Rhiannon Kwateng from the RSPCA says most responsible owners already spend more than three hours a day with their pets. 'Animals are sentient beings. They do have emotions. They do feel things,' she explains. 'It’s so crucial that we as pet owners meet not just their physical needs but their mental needs as well.'
The ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to legally recognise animals as sentient beings back in 2019, so this new code is seen as a natural next step by some.
Rhiannon admits that enforcing the rule could be tricky, but she says 'human contact' doesn’t have to mean constant playtime or cuddles. 'It’s just being with them. Dogs are so social and just having that moment of being in the same room is meeting their basic needs.'
What Counts as ‘Human Contact’?
This is where things get a bit fuzzy. Does sitting in the lounge while your dog snoozes at your feet count? What about working from home with your dog nearby? Or is it only quality time if you’re actively engaging with them—playing, walking, or training?
The draft code doesn’t spell out the details, so there’s plenty of room for interpretation. And that’s part of why the government wants to hear from the public before making any final decisions.
Ms Kwateng admitted that putting the proposed rules into practice could be challenging and noted that further discussions would be necessary.
In earlier news: Pet attacks are rising, and councils are drawing the line—here’s what they want done about it
That said, she explained that 'human contact' for a pet doesn't have to be complicated.
'It's just being with them. Dogs are so social and just having that moment of being in the same room is meeting their basic needs,' she said.
'Dogs are extremely social creatures. They love their human.'
The draft policy is open for public feedback until August 22.
In case you missed it: Vets warn popular trend puts animals in danger: 'They can be extremely toxic'
Do you reckon a three-hour minimum is fair, or is it barking up the wrong tree? How much time do you spend with your dog each day, and what counts as quality time in your household? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
Yes, you read that right—three hours, every single day, or you could be in the doghouse with the law!
But why is this law being considered? What’s the story behind it?
The draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT is currently up for public feedback, and it’s already got tongues wagging.
The proposal aims to make it compulsory for owners to provide 'human contact for a reasonable length of time each day (three hours minimum)'. The code also suggests other changes, like discouraging the use of retractable leads and restricting surgical debarking.
But as with any new rule, the big question is: how on earth would this be enforced? Are we going to see doggy timekeepers patrolling the suburbs, stopwatch in hand? Or will it be up to neighbours to dob in anyone who leaves their pooch alone for too long?
The ACT government has proposed new animal welfare laws that would require dog owners to spend at least three hours a day with their pet, but questions remain about how these laws would be enforced. Image source: Chewy / Unsplash.
Dog Owners Divided: Is This a Step Too Far
Not everyone is wagging their tail at the idea. Campbell local Tam Goddard, who’s had her rescue kelpie Ruff for seven years, thinks the plan is a bit half-baked.
'How are they going to police that?' she asks. 'Do we rely on people dobbing in each other? How do you define human contact? Do they need to be sitting right next to you, or do you need to walk them?'
Tam also wonders if the government’s priorities are in the right place, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. 'We have a lot of problems with the budget, with the health system. Call me a cynic, but maybe this is a diversionary tactic,' she says. She points out that while the government is focusing on dog welfare, there are plenty of humans in need of support too. ‘
Do they worry about human contact for the homeless? Who is going to go and talk to them? Do we have more programs to support them? The government, most of the time, leaves it to the charities to take care of those not so fortunate in our city and you don't need to walk far to see them.’
Also read: ‘I had a hand in killing my dog’: The treatment some owners wish they never tried
And with the recent introduction of an $11 fee for volunteers working with vulnerable people, some feel the government is making it harder for people to help each other, while simultaneously adding new rules for pet owners.
Goddard indeed, ‘Why is the government getting into this sort of thing? I'm worried. Does it mean I have to look over my shoulder as to how I am looking after my dog?’
Animal Welfare Advocates: It’s About More Than Just Walkies
On the other side of the fence, animal welfare groups like the RSPCA ACT are all for the proposed changes.
Rhiannon Kwateng from the RSPCA says most responsible owners already spend more than three hours a day with their pets. 'Animals are sentient beings. They do have emotions. They do feel things,' she explains. 'It’s so crucial that we as pet owners meet not just their physical needs but their mental needs as well.'
Some locals and dog owners have criticised the proposal as government overreach and questioned the priorities, especially given current cost-of-living and social welfare issues. Image source: Camilo Fierro / Unsplash.
The ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to legally recognise animals as sentient beings back in 2019, so this new code is seen as a natural next step by some.
Rhiannon admits that enforcing the rule could be tricky, but she says 'human contact' doesn’t have to mean constant playtime or cuddles. 'It’s just being with them. Dogs are so social and just having that moment of being in the same room is meeting their basic needs.'
What Counts as ‘Human Contact’?
This is where things get a bit fuzzy. Does sitting in the lounge while your dog snoozes at your feet count? What about working from home with your dog nearby? Or is it only quality time if you’re actively engaging with them—playing, walking, or training?
The draft code doesn’t spell out the details, so there’s plenty of room for interpretation. And that’s part of why the government wants to hear from the public before making any final decisions.
Ms Kwateng admitted that putting the proposed rules into practice could be challenging and noted that further discussions would be necessary.
In earlier news: Pet attacks are rising, and councils are drawing the line—here’s what they want done about it
That said, she explained that 'human contact' for a pet doesn't have to be complicated.
'It's just being with them. Dogs are so social and just having that moment of being in the same room is meeting their basic needs,' she said.
'Dogs are extremely social creatures. They love their human.'
The draft policy is open for public feedback until August 22.
In case you missed it: Vets warn popular trend puts animals in danger: 'They can be extremely toxic'
Do you reckon a three-hour minimum is fair, or is it barking up the wrong tree? How much time do you spend with your dog each day, and what counts as quality time in your household? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
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I feel sorry for your German shepherd
