Vic owners of killer dogs face jail

Owners of dogs that kill people will face up to 10 years' jail under new laws in Victoria.

State Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh will introduce new offences to the Crimes Act in parliament on Tuesday following the death of four-year-old Ayen Chol, who was mauled by a neighbour's pit bull mastiff in August.

"We are sending a clear message to owners of these dogs: if your animal endangers life or kills somebody, you will be held accountable," Mr Walsh said.

Four new offences will be created for failing to prevent a dangerous, menacing or restricted dog breed from endangering a life or causing death.

All the offences will be punishable by jail.

"The most serious offences apply if the dog in question kills another person and carries the same penalties as dangerous driving causing death," Mr Walsh said.

Fines for owners of dangerous dogs who fail to meet their obligations will also be increased.

Owners of dangerous or restricted canine breeds who fail to notify the local council when their dog escapes or when they change address can be fined up to $2442.

The same fine also applies to those who fail to restrain a dangerous or restricted breed dog on their property and it rises to $4885 for dogs not properly under control outside a pet owner's property.

Owners of restricted breed dogs will also be required to ensure their dogs wear a warning collar when not at their property.

"This will provide another way for the public to recognise a restricted breed dog when they see one," Mr Walsh said.

It will be illegal for people to sell or transfer ownership of restricted breed dogs.

Laws have already been passed to end the amnesty to register restricted breed dogs.

Any American pit bull terrier not registered by September 30 will be destroyed.

A dob-in-a-dangerous-dog hotline has also received 229 calls to report dangerous dogs.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland wrote to his state and territory counterparts last week requesting that a working group be established to present proposals regarding uniform dog laws at their meeting in November.

Ayen was killed when she was mauled by a dog which ran into her house at St Albans in Melbourne's north.