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Dangerous and restricted breed dogs
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What is a 'dangerous dog'?
Many dog owners believe dogs are declared “dangerous” due to their breed or size. This is not so. A dog may be declared dangerous if it attacks and seriously injures a person or another animal. There are rules for dogs declared “dangerous”, such as, special identification, warning signs, the dog being muzzled when off the owners premises, etc.
Further information is available from the council's civic services department on request. The council has determined that any declared dangerous dog (involved in an attack) is not welcome in our community. The council will not register or renew the registration of a dangerous dog so the dog must be removed from the municipality.
Please see the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fact sheet at the bottom of this page for further information.
What is a ‘restricted breed' dog?
There are five breeds of dogs that are banned from being imported into Australia.
The following dog breeds are restricted:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier)
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario)
Only the American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier) and one Dogo Argentino is known to be in Victoria.
New legislation
The amnesty on restricted breed dogs ends on September 30, 2011, giving local councils the power to seize unregistered dogs that fit the standard and euthanise them.
Restricted breed dogs are five specific breeds of dogs. They may not have attacked a person or animal or displayed signs of aggression, but they are considered a higher risk to community safety than other breeds of dogs.
All dogs fitting the standard, except where exemptions are given by the standard, are considered a restricted breed dog.
Restricted breed dogs must be desexed, muzzled and on a leash while outside.
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 states that the only restricted breed dogs that can be kept or registered are those that were:
- In Victoria prior to September 1, 2010; and
- Registered (as any breed) prior to September 30, 2011.
To report a suspected restricted breed dog, phone Wodonga Council's customer service on (02) 6022 9300 between 8.30am and 5pm or the dangerous dog hotline on 1300 101 080 between 8am and 6pm.
For more information on the standard, please visit http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/pets/dog-care/pit-bull-terrier-registration
No matter the breed, all domestic cats and dogs over three months of age must be registered each year with Wodonga Council. Microchipping is compulsory for all animals. All cats are to be desexed.
Things you should know about dangerous dogs - DPI fact sheet (148 KB)
