OWNERS of dogs that bite people or other animals, causing serious injury, will now pay fines of up to $4778, double the previous limit.
The new punishment of irresponsible dog owners is laid out in new state government laws that came into effect last Wednesday.
Dog and cat owners who fail to apply to register their pets will be fined up to $2389 - almost double the previous maximum penalty for the offence. Owners who fail to renew the registration of their animal may also be fined up to the same amount.
Council spokesman John Petroro said livestock attacks from menacing dogs were common.
"This will encourage people to do the right thing."
Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said a two-year amnesty would allow owners to register restricted-breed dogs under the new criteria and bring them under existing strict controls, with new rights of appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
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