Dog attacks and regulated dogs

Owning a dog comes with responsibility. Every pet owner must ensure their dog is safely contained, under control and not a risk to the community.

Dog attacks often occur when dogs are not on leash, not contained at home or not under effective control. These incidents can cause serious physical and emotional harm.

We investigate all reported animal attacks, and we will take appropriate action under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Actions may include:

issuing fines or notices
declaring a dog menacing or dangerous
seizing the dog for public safety
prosecution or euthanasia in severe cases.

To report a dog attack now: call 07 5667 5990 or visit Report a problem - Animals

Dangerous or menacing declarations

We may declare a dog to be dangerous or menacing if it:

seriously attacks or injures a person or another animal
behaves in a way that causes fear of attack
is assessed by an authorised officer as a risk.

If your dog is declared regulated, you must meet strict conditions including higher registration fees and annual inspections.

Owner responsibilities for regulated dogs

If your dog is declared dangerous or menacing, you must:

fit your dog with the approved red and yellow striped collar and an ID tag
muzzle your dog in public (dangerous dogs only)
desex your dog within 3 months (dangerous dogs only)
keep your dog under effective control in public, one dog per handler, on leash, by a physically capable person
never take a regulated dog into an off leash area
keep your dog in a local council-approved, child-proof enclosure at home
display warning signs at every entrance to your property
notify us of any address changes within 7 days.

Failure to comply may result in strong penalties.

Council is not responsible for any expenses related to a dog attack. As the owner, you may be liable through civil action.