Regulated Dogs and Dog Attacks

Frightening for all involved, dog attacks often result in serious injury to people, and can be fatal for animals.

As our residents have a right to feel safe in our community, it is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure their pet does not bite or act aggressively towards other people or animals.

If you are the owner of a dog, you are responsible for their actions.

For more information please download our fact sheet on preventing a dog attack.

• Preventing a Dog Attack - Fact Sheet(PDF, 2MB)

If you, or your pet, has been attacked by a dog, or you have witnessed an attack, contact Council immediately to enable us to respond and investigate.

During office hours please call 1300 007 662 and speak to a Community Safety Officer or alternatively afterhours call the same number and select the application option to be transferred to the emergency After Hours Officer on call.

When an attack occurs it is extremely important to contact Council immediately as this ensures we can secure the dog and gather important evidence/information to assist in the investigation.

To find out more about Reporting Attack and how Council Respond download this fact sheet

• Reporting a Dog Attack - Fact Sheet(PDF, 614KB)

Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, there are requirements that apply to regulated dogs. Regulated dogs include dogs that have been declared dangerous, menacing or restricted.

Council may declare your dog dangerous or menacing if it:

• Has bitten or attacked a person or animal
• Has acted in a way that caused fear to a person or another animal; and/or
• Was declared dangerous by another local government.

If your dog is declared as a regulated dog, there are specific requirements that you must follow. Be sure to contact Council for more information. Some of the conditions to retain the regulated dog, include, but not limited to the following:

• The dog must be microchipped
• The dog must, at all times, wear a collar with an attached identifying tag
• A specific enclosure for the dog must be maintained
• Signage must be placed near each entrance to the place the dog is kept
• The dog may be required to be de-sexed
• The dog may be required to wear a muzzle in public.

A restricted dog is a breed prohibited from importation into Australia. Residents are prohibited from keeping these dog breeds within the Maranoa Regional Council area. These breeds include:

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