Dangerous Dogs & Restricted Breeds

The Dog Act 1976 has recently been amended to bring the provisions relating to restricted breeds from regulations into the Act. They are designed to require responsible ownership of these dogs which are known to be more genetically disposed to be aggressive.

Restricted Breeds

Certain breeds of dogs have been identified by the Commonwealth Government as being particularly aggressive. They have been banned from import into Australia and each State and territory has introduced legislation to protect the community from these breeds.

The following breeds are classified as restricted:
● Dogo Argentino;
● Fila Brasileiro;
● Japanese Tosa;
● American Pit Bull Terrier;
● Pit Bull Terrier;
● Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario;

This includes a mix of two or more breeds, one being a restricted breed

Dangerous Dogs

What is a dangerous dog?

Any dog can be dangerous.

The Act identifies three types of dangerous dogs:

● Dangerous dog (restricted breed);
● Dangerous dog (declared); or
● Commercial security dog

How will the dog be identified?

A dangerous dog (restricted breed) must wear a collar with red and yellow diagonal stripes of 25mm in width. One of these colours must be fluorescent. The width of the collar is dependent on the weight of the dog.

What protection measures apply?

• It must wear a special collar (see above) identifying it as a dangerous dog.
• A dangerous dog (restricted breed) must be confined to an enclosure that prevents
  • its escape; and
  • its release without permission; and
  • a child less than 7 years old from entering or inserting part of its body.
• There must be a prescribed warning sign at each entrance to the premises.
• If not in the enclosure, it must:
  • be muzzled; and
  • held by means of a chain, cord, leash or harness of not more than 2 metres in length by an adult capable of controlling the dog or temporarily tethered in the same way.