Dangerous Dogs:

A dangerous dog is a dog that:

• Has without provocation attacked or killed a person or animal (excluding vermin); or
• Has without provocation threatened to attack or has repeatedly chased a person or animal (excluding vermin); or
• Is being used for hunting.

An authorised officer of the Local Council, or a Magistrate/ Registrar of the Local Court, can declare a dog to be a “dangerous dog” if it satisfied the dog is dangerous or if it has been declared dangerous in another State.

Owners of a dangerous dog have more onerous obligations than other dog owners. Such obligations include ensuring:

• The dog is desexed;
• The dog is always under the control of a person over 18 years;
• A warning sign is displayed on the boundary of the property where the dog is kept;
• The dog is always leashed and muzzled when outside of its’ enclosure;
• The Council is notified of where the dog is ordinarily kept;
• The dog is registered;
• Enclosure requirements prescribed by the legislation are satisfied;
• The dog wears the specified dog collar.

A failure to comply with these requirements is an offence for which a penalty notice can be issued.

If your dog has been declared a dangerous dog and you wish to appeal this declaration, or if you have a dispute pertaining to compliance with your obligations as the owner of a dangerous dog, we recommend that you seek legal advice.

You may wish to contact our firm and arrange an appointment to see one of our Animal Law & Pet Law Solicitors. To do so, please call (02) 9233 4048 or send an email to info@navado.com.au. 

This webpage (and any material or wording appearing on this webpage) is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute any Legal Advice. It does not take into account your objectives, your instructions or all of the relevant facts and/or circumstances. Navado accepts no responsibility to any person who relies on the information provided on this website. We further refer you to our Disclaimer.