Number of dogs euthanased on Sunshine Coast triples after law change

New laws in Queensland have led to a dramatic increase in dog euthanasias on the Sunshine Coast, with the local council reporting a 150% rise in the year following the legislation's introduction in 2024. Data obtained through a Right to Information request shows the council euthanized 82 dogs in the year after the laws took effect, compared to 32 the previous year. This trend continued, with 101 dogs put down in the subsequent 12 months.

“

He was family to us.

The Sunshine Coast Council stated that the increase "reflects changes introduced" by the state government and that the council is "legally required to comply with these provisions." The new laws mandate euthanasia for regulated dogs, those already declared dangerous, menacing, or a restricted breed, if they are involved in a subsequent serious attack. These "destruction orders" can be issued if a regulated dog kills, seriously injures, or is deemed a significant future risk, though court decisions can sometimes alter outcomes.

“

I spent years fighting the decision because I believed there were inaccuracies in our case.

For resident Kara Chaplin, the debate is deeply personal. Her American Staffordshire terrier, Sarge, was euthanized in 2019, prior to the 2024 law changes, after three incidents involving other animals, one of which resulted in a small dog's death. Chaplin spent over $60,000 attempting to prevent Sarge's euthanasia, describing him as family. She expressed concern that the recent laws might offer less scope for considering individual circumstances.

“

Council is legally required to comply with these provisions.

While specific data on destruction orders linked to attacks was not provided by the council, the RTI data revealed that of the 82 dogs euthanized in the 2024-25 financial year, three were due to an "attack," 36 failed a temperament test, 21 were deemed "aggressive," and 10 were classified as "a regulated dog." Four dogs were euthanized for health reasons during the same period. The council emphasized that euthanasia is "always a last resort" and acknowledged that such decisions can be upsetting.

“

euthanasia was 'always a last resort' and it 'understands that decisions affecting animals can be upsetting'.