Dog attacks
It is an offence under Section 33D of the Dog Act 1976 for a dog to attack or chase any person or animal whether or not any injury is caused.
Such incidents should be reported to Ranger Services as soon as possible.
The owner or person responsible for a dog alleged to have been involved in such an incident could be liable for fines up to $20,000.
It is important to report an attack as soon as possible providing as much information as you can. Contact the Shire on 9628 7004. If this call is after hours, you will be diverted and then the appropriate officer will be contacted.
If the matter is a life-threatening situation ring the Police immediately on 000.
Examples according to the act of an attack are:
- aggressively rushing at or harassing any person or animal
- biting
- causing physical injury to a person or animal
- causing damage to clothes or property
- attempting to attack
How to prevent your dog attacking people and animals
As a dog owner, you are legally responsible for how your dog behaves. By managing your dog correctly, you can prevent it from attacking people and animals:
- Never allow your dog to wander unsupervised
- Install secure fencing and regularly check it
- When out keep your dog on a leash.
When in any public place in Western Australia, your dog must be tethered or on a leash unless the place is a designated dog exercise area. As an owner, you are still completely responsible for the control and behaviour of your dog.
Keep your dog and family safe. Allowing your dog to wander puts its health at risk and can even endanger yours. Every year hundreds of pets are shot, poisoned and impounded for attacking people and livestock. Other roaming dogs die from snake bite or traffic accidents. Those that do return often bring back diseases that could be passed on to their owner’s family or other pets.
Be a responsible dog owner. Dogs need more than food and water; they have to be trained, controlled, vaccinated, registered and exercised.
Fines & penalties
As a dog owner you can be fined up to $20,000, or even be charged with manslaughter, if your dog attacks.
What to do if I am attacked?
A dog attack is traumatic for both the victim and the dog owner, but most can be avoided if dog owners properly manage their pets.
If you, or someone you observe, are threatened or attacked by dogs, contact the ranger. If serious or life-threatening injuries are sustained call 000 or seek the required medical attention.
What does the Shire do when a dog attack report is received?
- Make sure that the dog is no longer a threat to the community and that the victim is now safe.
- Make contact with the victim or any witnesses to gather all available evidence.
- Make contact with the dog owner (if known) and try to mediate an outcome for all parties concerned.
Court action may be taken at the Shire’s discretion depending on the circumstances of the attack which may include severity of injuries, quality of evidence and consideration of the animal's history.