As we all cherish the companionship of our furry friends, it's essential to be aware of the local regulations that come with pet ownership.

A recent incident on the Sunshine Coast is a stark reminder that even the most well-intentioned dog owners can find themselves on the wrong side of the law, facing hefty fines for seemingly minor infractions.

Robyn, a fashion boutique owner at Moffat Beach, was enjoying a peaceful coffee break with her Blue Heeler, Violet, when she was unexpectedly approached by council workers.

Despite Violet being leashed and sitting quietly by Robyn's feet, the officers deemed the dog not under 'effective control' because the lead was resting on Robyn's foot rather than being held in her hand.

Dog owner Robyn received a huge fine over a small mistake. Credit: @whitandwatt / Instagram

This small oversight led to a staggering $806 fine, leaving Robyn in a state of shock and frustration.

‘I've got a small business and I'm struggling with that, and the council hits you with this,' she said.

'Violet was on lead, had a collar on, she was underneath my foot.'

'Dark hats, dark sunglasses, my dog is deaf and she actually got a bit frightened by them,' she added.

Robyn insisted she was on her rented property, not in a public area, and called the council the following day to check their decision.

The shop owner was initially told she wouldn't be fined, just given a warning. However, just days later, she received a fine.

The struggling retailer called the council in tears and even reached out to her local mayor.

‘I explained to her (the council worker) that we are lucky to keep our doors open in such tough times,’ she said.

When Robyn reminded them that the council workers had previously assured her it would just be a warning, she claimed the response she received was simply, ‘Sorry about that.’

Determined not to pay the fine, the shop owner says she plans to take Violet to court with her.

‘I've been going through a lot of financial stress, so it's easy for me to break down and bawl my eyes out because I'm trying to keep my shop afloat,’ she said.

Robyn believed dog owners need ‘clear clarification’ on the rules, as ‘a lot of people’ put the lead under their foot as well.

The Queensland Government has recently intensified its enforcement of these rules, with increased penalties that can even lead to imprisonment for owners of dogs that exhibit bad behaviour.

On the Sunshine Coast Council website, the updated state-wide laws are clearly outlined.

‘The Queensland Government has updated the penalty for not effectively controlling your dog in a public place,' it said.

'An on-the-spot fine will increase to $806. This includes having a dog off-leash in an on-leash area. Or, if the dog is in an off-leash area, the owner must be able to control the dog using voice command.'

Robyn's story is a cautionary tale for all dog owners. It's not just about the fine but also about understanding and adhering to local laws to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets and the community.

The incident has rallied local support for Robyn, with many calling the fine excessive and indicative of 'dog owner bullying’.

‘Had a similar experience—the council is a brick wall for these matters but happy to charge through the roof for rates,' one said.

Another added, 'Unbelievable! Will absolutely go in and complain on behalf of you.'

You can watch the video below:

Credit: @whitandwatt / Instagram​

Key Takeaways

• A Sunshine Coast boutique owner received an $806 fine for not holding her dog's leash in her hand while sitting outside her store.
• The council workers deemed the dog, Violet, to be not under effective control, despite her calm behaviour and being leashed.
• The shop owner, Robyn, contended that she was within her rented premises, not a public space, and had been initially told she would only receive a warning.
• Robyn has voiced her frustration over the lack of clear rules for dog owners regarding leash control and has gained local support against what is considered an excessive fine.

Have you ever faced a similar situation with your pet? Do you believe the laws are clear enough, or is there a need for better clarification? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[BellaB18]

it wasn't my dog.

But I agree dogs need to be on a leash and restrained when in public. Another reason animals should not be taken into shops unless they are used for disability

All dogs should be on leash, l agree there is no need to take your dog to shops and cafes, any dog can be frightened and can bite. My little resuce dog does not like many dogs. So while walking the streets only each day on leash. If anyone is coming towards us l cross the road and always say hello, this little one is a devil she is not dog friendly. Common sense. Any dog can bite when scared. You have a dog you be responsible at all times.
Kind regards to all Vicki

 

[Macarj]

I have never been aware of this rule. They could have warned the lady. I don't know if it applies in Victoria.
I totally agree with strict rules in regards to pet ownership. My council sends out news letter magazines every few months and keeps you updated on the rules of certain things. They go on about picking up after your dog sad to say not everyone is following that rule. Which is so wrong and how will they get caught council workers are not driving around around looking to see if dog walkers are picking up.
Even a letter box drop from councils would be helpful with pet rules. Then if you break the rule you pay the fine.
Kind regards to all Vicki

Every state and every council have their own rules so as with road rules you have to know all the rules for animals where ever you live

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I feel for this lady and although the dog was leashed it wasn't restrained. Dogs can move so quickly that she may not have time to grab the leash and the council workers (not defending them) are not to know the digs placid nature by just looking at it. Give the lady a warning but the council also has the responsibility for informing their people of the rules concerning dogs.

 

[Scaveola]

Sorry I'm with the council.

I had a friend who had two white Maltese terriers , they were basically her children.

She said they would never bite ( they did) she said they were showing love.

I was with her at an outdoor Cafe , having coffee . She had just one of her dogs with her .
A woman was standing near by waiting for her coffee and the dog bit her leg. It didn't draw blood but did leave a mark and frightened the lady.

The lady was a bit upset ( I couldn't blame her) but didn't take it any further.

I told my friend that she was very lucky. She replied that he was just saying hello.

I told her that she needed to take her dogs out to parks ect and not a Cafe. I told her she needed to keep the dogs on a leash.

I understand there are placid dogs but when out and about they need to be on a leash with owners holding onto that leash.

Rules are in place for a reason.

Maybe 20 years ago , 2 streets away from me was a house whose dog was allowed out in the front yard. It had bitten a few people and when I went for a walk I never went into that street.

A little girl 5 years old who lived a few houses up was attacked and mauled badly by that dog. She was in my daughters class and was in hospital for weeks. It was that bad it was actually on the news . She finally recovered but suffered anxiety for years

Prevent before something happens

Maltese terriers are horrible little dogs, always bite!

 

[MIZMAC]

The dog is not under control if the leash is under the person's foot.

 

[Kman]

That is absolutely pathetic and petty. Thes counci people are going aroun picking on the pettiest things so they can meet and pass thier quotas to get their bonuses. If that isn't revenue raising I dont what is or isn't.

 

[Ebby]

When we were visiting a neighbour my daughter was bitten by her Yorkshire terrier then another daughter who was about 5 was bitten by a dog tied up outside a shop On this occasion we found the owner and she paid for a tetanus jab.Poor children it wasn't their fault.