State Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said penalties would double for owners who failed to register their animals or take precautions to stop their dogs attacking people or other animals.

Under the new laws, the owners of dogs found at large or not securely confined at night face a $1195 fine, up from $597.

The owner of a dog that has attacked or bitten a person or animal and caused serious injury faces a $4778 fine, up from $2389.

A dog or cat owner who fails to register their pet also now face a $2389 fine, up from $1195.

Moonee Valley has six dangerous dogs registered in the municipality. A total of 10,000 dogs are registered.

In the 2009-10 financial year there were 83 dog attacks in Moonee Valley.

In 2008 it had the highest number of reported dog attacks among western suburbs councils. Moonee Valley recorded 77 dog attacks in 2008, while Brimbank had the biggest rise, with 32 recorded in 2007 and 40 in 2008.