Cooma gets tough on problem dog owners

Dog owners in the Cooma Monaro Shire who do not comply with or take seriously council notices regarding dangerous animals will now face a stricter system.

In response to a number of recent attacks, owners of dogs who have previously been notified or issued warnings will be hit with a fine if the animal reoffends, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

It's believed that there have been six separate incidents of dogs attacking people, other dogs and livestock since the beginning of the year and one dog has already been put down.

Director of Environmental Services at the Cooma Monaro Shire Council Peter Smith says that some dog owners are neglecting their legal responsibilities.