Law Reform Commission > Completed projects > 1980-1989

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Liability for dogs        

Reference received: ​4 August 1985 

This reference is part of the Community Law Reform Program

​Report

Report 52: Liability for Injuries Caused by Dogs [PDF, 223Kb], June 1988

Tabled in parliament: 29 November 1988 

Legislative action: Dog (Amendment) Act 1988; Dog (Amendment) Act 1993​

Terms of reference

To inquire into and report on the following matters:

  1. Whether, and if so the circumstances in which, criminal and/or civil liability, beyond that presently provided for in ss6 and 20 of the Dog Act 1966, should be imposed on an owner or person who has the effective care and control of a dog which causes harm to any person or property;
  2. Any related matter.