Dangerous dogs and restricted breeds

Dangerous Dogs

If a dog has caused or is likely to cause serious injury to a person or animal then the Council may declare the dog to be a dangerous dog under the Dog Act 1976. Once a dog has been declared a dangerous dog then the owner or person in charge of that dog has to meet stronger control measures for that dog which include:

• Must be de-sexed and cannot be bred (if a restricted breed)
• Must be micro-chipped
• When in public the dog must be muzzled at all times
• When walked in public must be on a lead not more than 2 meters long and under sufficient control
• Must be under control of a person at least 18 years of age
• Must wear the approved collar at all times
• When not on a lead and muzzled must be kept in an approved childproof enclosure
• Approved warning signs must be erected at each entrance to the property and on the Dangerous Dog enclosure

Restricted Breeds

There are certain dog breeds which have been banned from importation into Australia and have been declared dangerous and are a  restricted breed:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American pit bull terrier or pitbull terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
• Any dog mixed with these breeds

Selling/Giving away a Dangerous or Restricted Breed

If a person wishes to purchase or become the owner of a declared dangerous dog or restricted breed then they must apply to the council in which it will be living.  The seller must notify the Council in which the dog is currently being housed within 24 hours of the transfer.  Failure to notify the Shire of such a change of ownership may incur a fine.

Lost, Straying or Death of a Dangerous or Restricted Breed Dog

If a dangerous or restricted dog goes missing, strays or dies then the owner must notify the Shire as soon as possible. Failure to notify the Shire may incur a fine.