Dangerous, restricted or menacing dogs

The term 'regulated dog' is used to refer to:

  • declared dangerous dogs
  • declared menacing dogs
  • restricted dogs - breeds prohibited from importation into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 (Cth).

Restricted dogs are not permitted to be registered in this local government area.

Dangerous dogs and menacing dogs have been declared by Council following their involvement in an incident where the dog has been involved in an attack on a person or animal. 

Council conducts an approved annual systematic regulated dog inspection program each year to monitor compliance and promote community safety. Refer to Public notices for current advice on the inspection program.

For fees in relation to regulated animals see fees and charges.

Report a dog attack

If you are a victim of an attack, or your dog attacks a person or animal, these are considered serious incidents and should be reported immediately by contacting Council for investigation. Council responds to reports of dog attacks and aggressive dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is important to provide as many details as possible to assist officers such as:

  • date, time and location of attack
  • description of how the attack occurred
  • description and location of the attacking dog.

Incidents are investigated and appropriate actions taken under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (the Act). These actions may include, but not limited to, seizing the dog, regulating the dog as dangerous or menacing or issuing fines.

Declared dangerous or menacing dogs

Council may declare a dog to be dangerous or menacing if:

  • it has seriously attacked a person or another animal
  • it has acted in a way that causes fear to a person or another animal
  • due to the behaviour of a dog towards a person or another animal, an authorised person forms an opinion that the dog may attack, or seriously attack (dangerous), another person or animal
  • it was declared dangerous or menacing by another local government.

Once your dog has been declared a dangerous or menacing dog, you will have to comply with the mandatory conditions under the Act. Council monitors compliance to reduce the community risk posed by regulated dogs.

Responsibilities of a regulated dog owner

There are different requirements for keeping a regulated dog.

If your dog is declared dangerous or menacing, you must ensure you have complied with the following requirements, under the Act, within 14 days of the declaration:

  • your dog must be and remain registered with Council and be microchipped
  • the registration fees for a declared dog must be paid (note: fees are significantly higher than other dogs)
  • a dog declared dangerous (not menacing) must be de-sexed
  • your dog must always wear a distinctive collar (yellow and red striped) and tag provided by Council
  • your dog must be kept within an approved enclosure which complies with a strict set of requirements identified within the Act
  • the approved enclosure must be constructed to ensure it is childproof, and the dog is not able to escape or protrude, along with other requirements
  • ensure a declared dangerous dog is always muzzled when at a place which is not the dogs registered place of residence
  • if the dog is not at the registered place of residence, it must be under the effective control of an adult who has the control of no more than one dog at the same time
  • display a sign near each entrance to the property warning of the dangerous or menacing dog.

Additionally, regulated dog owners must notify Council within seven days of moving to a new address and not give or sell a regulated dog to another person.

Restricted dogs

Under the Customs Act 1901, the following breeds are restricted dogs:

  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasilerio
  • Japanese Tosa
  • American Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull Terrier
  • Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.

Council's local law prohibits all restricted breeds. Any current restricted dog owners can continue keeping their animal until they move or the dog passes away, if conditions are complied with.

Restricted dogs cannot be registered in City of Moreton Bay.

Annual inspection program

Council conducts an approved annual systematic regulated dog inspection program each year within the boundaries of the local government area in accordance with Section 113 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

The inspection program:

  • monitors compliance by the regulated dog owner with the mandatory conditions in accordance with the Act
  • provides the opportunity to reinforce the importance of responsible pet ownership
  • promotes community safety
  • reduces the potential for regulated dog owner complacency.

The program permits authorised officers to enter properties within the boundaries of City of Moreton Bay local government area that have regulated dogs.

Regulated dog owners must be compliant at all times. Check your compliance by using the Owner checklist(PDF, 659KB). Failure by owners to maintain compliance could lead to further dog attacks in the community and regulatory action by Council.