Dog attacks and dangerous dogs

The decision to declare a dog dangerous is given careful consideration and is based on a variety of different information. This includes the circumstances of the attack if there was one, and may also include behavioural assessments, temperament tests and the observations of rangers who interact with the dog at Domestic Animal Services.

A number of factors are considered when declaring a dog dangerous. These include, but are not limited to:

• elements of the premises including the size, security and suitability for keeping the dog, and the potential impact on neighbouring premises
• any convictions or guilty verdicts within the last 10 years for offences relating to the welfare, keeping or control of an animal in any state or territory
• safety of the public and other animals.

Once a dog has been declared dangerous, the owner must decide whether to keep the dog. If they decide to keep the dog they must apply for a Dangerous Dog Licence.

For more information see the Domestic Animals Act 2000.

If an owner decides to keep a dangerous dog, they must apply for a Dangerous Dog Licence from Domestic Animal Services. This involves paying an annual licence fee.

The Dangerous Dog Licence is only granted if the owner meets strict conditions placed on the dog to ensure public safety. The licence must be renewed annually to ensure the owner is continuing to meet the conditions.

A Dangerous Dog Licence may be refused if:

• the applicant is disqualified from keeping a dog or any other animal
• the dog is not microchipped, registered and desexed
• there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the licence were issued
• the applicant has failed, or is unable to exercise responsible dog management, care or control.

To apply to keep a dangerous dog, please complete the application form for a dangerous dog licence (PDF 149.2 KB). Fees and conditions apply prior to the granting of the licence.

Where a licence to keep a dangerous dog is granted, common conditions are usually imposed and may include:

• The dog must reside at a specified premise.
• The dog must be microchipped and registered on the Domestic Animals Register.
• While the dog is on the specified premise it must be kept under effective control to prevent it from attacking another animal or a person.
• The specified premise must be maintained so that the dog cannot escape. This includes escape-proof perimeter fencing around the property ensuring that the dog cannot push through the fence. The fence must not have any gaps that would allow any part of a person or animal’s body to enter the property. Modifications to the premise may also be required to ensure the dog cannot escape.
• All gates must be escape-proof, spring-actioned and self-closing. Gates are to be secured by padlocks and latched ensuring that the dog remains on its approved premise.
• The dog must be kept in an escape-proof enclosure with a roof, except when being exercised or transported. Enclosure gates must be spring-actioned, self-closing and secured by a padlock. In accordance with the Animal Welfare (Welfare of Dogs in the ACT) Code of Practice 2010, the enclosure is to include: a dog bed or wooden pallet as a sleeping area. Bedding should be provided and kept clean and dry, and replaced as required.
• The dog must have access to food, water and shelter at all times.
• The enclosure size must have a run area of 8 square metres with a minimum dimension (width/length) of 2 metres.
• The enclosure floor must be cement or wire mesh to ensure that the dog cannot escape by digging under the enclosure walls.
• The dog must be under the effective control of a competent person over the age of 18 by means of an adequate chain or leash when away from the premise.
• When the dog leaves its specified premise it must be muzzled. The muzzle must be securely fixed upon its mouth in such a manner to prevent it biting any person or animal.
• The competent person walking the dog must not have control over another dog at the same time.
• The dog is not allowed to be off-leash in designated off-leash areas such as dog exercise areas or enclosed dog parks.
• A warning sign containing the words “Warning – Dangerous Dog” must be displayed on all gates and doors at the premises where the dog is kept so that it can be readily seen by a person about to enter the premises through any gate or door. The approved signs are available from Domestic Animal Services for a fee.
• The dog must wear a dangerous dog collar at all times. The approved collar is available from Domestic Animal Services for a fee.
• Ownership of the dog may not be transferred without prior written permission from the Registrar. A full inspection of the new premise will be conducted by the Registrar prior to approving transfer of ownership and the issuing of a new licence.
• The dog must not be kept at another location or relocated without prior written permission of the Registrar. A full inspection of the new premise will be conducted by Domestic Animal Services prior to approving the relocation.
• The contact details of the keeper of the dangerous dog must be kept current on the dangerous dog licence, microchip register and the registration register.
• A dangerous dog must not be taken out of the ACT for any reason without prior written permission from the council in which you plan to relocate the dog and approval from the Registrar.
• After 12 months the keeper of a dangerous dog may apply to the Registrar for a review of the dangerous dog declaration. Evidence to support the request must be present. For example, proof that the dog has undertaken approved dog behavioural training by an approved trainer.
• A dangerous dog licence is renewable every 12 months at an annual indexed fee. Payment must be made at Domestic Animal Services, Mugga Lane, Symonston.

Failure to comply with the conditions may result in the cancellation of the dangerous dog licence, seizure of the dangerous dog, the issuing of infringement notices and/or possible prosecution action.