The Domestic Animals Act 1994 allows us to declare a dog dangerous if:
- it has caused serious injury to a person or animal by biting or attacking
- it is kept as a guard dog or has been trained to attack people or animals
- it is declared a menacing dog and its owner has received at least 2 infringement notices for the dog not being leashed and/or muzzled in a public place has been declared a dangerous dog by another council.
We may declare a dog as menacing if it:
- rushes at a person - this means the dog comes within 3 m of the person while displaying aggressive signs such as snarling, growling or raised hackles
- causes a non-serious bite to a person
- has been declared a menacing dog by another council.
In public places, your dog must be:
- muzzled
- on a lead, chain or cord.
Your dog must always wear a red and yellow striped collar, and you must display signage at the entrances at your home.
You must keep your dog behind an escape-proof 1.8 m solid or mesh fence if it is guarding.
Your dog must:
- be registered
- wear the council marker
- be permanently identified by microchip.
The following dog breeds are classified as restricted breed dogs under section 3(1) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994
These may be pure or cross-bred:
- American Pit Bull Terriers (or Pit Bull Terriers)
- Perro de Presa Canarios (or Presa Canario)
- Dogo Argentinos
- Japanese Tosas
- Fila Brasileiros.
You can report dog attacks online or by calling 03 9217 2170.
Report a dog attack online