The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 was introduced on 1 July 2009 to provide for the effective management of Regulated Dogs.
In addition, Council's Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) (PDF 520KB) prohibits the keeping of a Restricted Dog anywhere in the local government area.
A Regulated Dog is defined as:
- Declared Dangerous Dogs
- Declared Menacing Dogs
- Restricted Dogs
A Dangerous Dog Declaration can be made for a dog only if the dog:
- has seriously attacked, or acted in a way that caused fear to a person or another animal; or
- 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.
A Menacing Dog Declaration may be made for a dog only if grounds (as above) exist for the dog, but where the attack was not serious.
A Restricted Dog is a dog of a breed prohibited from importation into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 (Commonwealth).
Restricted Dog Breeds
The following breeds, any crossbreed of the following as well as their offspring are classified as restricted dog breeds:
| Dogo Argentino |
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| Fila Brasileiro |
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| Japanese Tosa |
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Pit Bull Terrier, also known as
American Pit Bull Terrier |
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Perro de Presa Canario/
Presa Canario |
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Owners of these breeds must apply to register their animals as Restricted Dogs with Council by completing an Application for Registration Form (PDF 190.5KB) and ensure they comply with State Legislation as outlined in The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. This Act lists the following controls that are to be in place for restricted dogs:
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Identification: The dog must at all times, wear a collar with an attached identifying tag.
- Muzzling and Effective Control in Public: The dog must not be in a public place unless it is muzzled and under the effective control of someone who has the control of no more than 2 dogs of any breed or type at the same time.
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De-Sexing: All restricted dogs must be desexed.
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Enclosure: A childproof enclosure must be maintained for the dog at the premises on which the dog is kept.