Some dogs can be a serious risk to public safety and may only be kept under strict conditions.

Restricted dogs are identified by breed whereas Council follows criteria set in the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 on deciding if a dog should be declared dangerous or menacing.

Restricted, dangerous and menacing dogs are considered regulated dogs under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. Owners of regulated dogs are subject to stricter conditions to ensure public safety and also need to apply for a yearly permit to keep the animal.

What is a restricted dog?

Some breeds are defined as restricted and are therefore prohibited from importation in Australia in accordance with the Customs Act 1901.

The dogs prohibited from importation include:

• Fila Brasileiro
• Dogo Argentino
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario
• Canario.

Dogs of a restricted breed are referred to as regulated dogs under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. Owners of regulated dogs must hold a valid permit and comply with strict conditions to keep their dog. This is to ensure safety of neighbours and the community.

Please contact Council for further information regarding the strict conditions that may apply to you.

What is a dangerous dog?

A dog may be declared dangerous in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 only if the dog has:

• has seriously attacked or acted in a way that caused fear to a person or another animal
• may, in the opinion of an authorised person, having regard to the way the dog has behaved towards a person or another animal, seriously attack or act in a way that causes fear to the person or animal.

What is a menacing dog?

A dog may be declared menacing in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 only if the dog has:

• has attacked or acted in a way that caused fear to a person or another animal
• may, in the opinion of an authorised person, having regard to the way the dog has behaved towards a person or another animal, seriously attack or act in a way that causes fear to the person or animal.

Council applies a surcharge for restricted, dangerous and menacing dogs, please refer to Council’s fees and charges.