Dangerous or restricted dogs
A ‘dangerous dog’ is a dog that has:
- seriously injured a person/animal
- has been trained to attack
- is kept to guard non-residential premises.
This designation is unrelated to its breed. A ‘dangerous dog’ must wear a yellow and red striped collar and your property must have a specially built secure enclosure with signage that states ‘dangerous dog.’
Menacing dogs
A ‘menacing dog’ is a dog that has rushed or chased a person. Or if the dog bites any person or animal causing injury to that person or animal that is not in the nature of a serious injury.
This designation is unrelated to its breed. Menacing dogs must wear a muzzle and leash in a public area. There is no sign for a menacing dog but owners must comply with conditions as set out under the Domestic Animals Act and Regulations.
Restricted dogs
A ‘restricted breed’ is a dog that is any one of the following:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (the only restricted breed still in existence in Australia)
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Brasileiro
- Perro de Presa Canario.
Greater controls are placed on the housing, importation, breeding and exercising in public of these animals under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
More information on owning a dangerous dog or owning a restricted breed dog.
As a dog owner, you are liable any time your dog attacks a person or animal outside your property. Visit our Dog Safety webpage for more information.