Following a string of attacks on penguins across the state, the Dog Control Amendment Bill 2019 passed the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Under the new laws a person found guilty could be fined up to $5040, be liable for costs incurred and may have their dog destroyed.

Local Government Minister Mark Shelton said the new penalties send a clear message: if your dog injures or kills sensitive wildlife like little penguins there will be serious consequences.

Mr Shelton said the changes include a new offence for instances where a dog injures or kills any sensitive wildlife in specified areas.

"The penalty for taking a dog into a prohibited area containing sensitive habitat for native wildlife will also increase to $3360," Mr Shelton said.

"This approach will support local councils wishing to prohibit the entry of dogs into ecologically significant areas, such as little penguin colonies."