Dangerous Dogs

Council may declare a dog as dangerous if:

1. The dog has attacked or worried a person or an animal; or
2. The dog is likely to attack or worry a person or an animal; or
3. If the dog has been trained to attack for the purpose of guarding either persons or property, or is kept as a guard dog for the purpose of guarding a non-residential premises; or
4. If the dog has been declared a dangerous dog by another local government.

A dog declared dangerous causes the dog owner to satisfy a number of stringent management requirements. These responsibilities include:

1. Display of suitable warning signs within 48 hours of receiving the Dangerous Dog Notice, saying "Beware Of The Dangerous Dog" in white lettering not less than 12 millimetres in height with black background placed so as to be easily seen by persons entering the premises;
2. Provision of a specified enclosure;
3. Muzzling and leashing of the dog when in a public place by a competent person over 16 years of age (only one dog to be held by this person at one time);
4. Payment of an annual dangerous dog permit fee, in addition to standard registration

If you do not follow these requirements, or if your "dangerous" dog attacks a person or animal on or outside your property you may be fined up to $15,000.00 in addition to all legal costs. Further the dog may be seized and an order issued for it to be destroyed.

For further information on Dangerous Dogs, please contact Council's Environment and Health Department on (07) 4783 9800.