Gold Coast proposes 'significant' fines to crack down on dangerous dogs

Some of the toughest penalties on record could be on the way for irresponsible dog owners on the Gold Coast.

The city council's governance committee on Tuesday backed reforms of animal laws, including introducing a $619 fine for owners who fail to keep a dog under control.

"It's significant and I hope it's a deterrent so people do keep their dogs under effective control," deputy mayor Donna Gates said.

READ MORE: What is your liability if your dog is involved in an attack?

The proposal goes before full council next week.

Several people were mauled by dogs in the city earlier this year, including a toddler who was rushed to hospital in April with serious head and neck injuries.

The incident was one of three on the same night.

A pre-teen boy was also bitten on the head at a home in Shailer Park in Logan, while a woman in her 30s was also taken to Townsville Hospital with a leg injury.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said at the time she "understands the community concern".

"We have now seen more and more of these dog attacks," she said.

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