Dog attacks, dangerous dogs and restricted breeds

We can declare a dog to be dangerous if it seriously injures a person or animal.

If your dog attacks someone outside your property, you may have to pay damages to the victim. Your dog could also be destroyed.

If your dog is declared dangerous it must be:

• kept in a child-proof enclosure
• muzzled and under control
• on-leash at all times while off the owner's property
• wearing a special collar and warning signs must be placed at the owner's property, visible to the public and any visitors

Council can declare a dog to be 'menacing' if it has rushed at or chased a person. But we are unlikely to do so if the victim was trespassing or attacking someone known to the dog.

Restricted breed dogs

You must advise Council if you own any of the following breeds:

• American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier)
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasilero
• Perro de Presa Canarion (or Presa Canario)

The only restricted breed dogs that are allowed to be kept are those dogs that were in Victoria prior to 1 September 2010 and are registered (as any breed) with Council prior to 30 September 2011.

Prior to the State Election in November 2014, Councils could seize and destroy restricted breed dogs if they had not been desexed and registered.

Since the State Election in 2014, the State Government has imposed a moratorium on the destruction of restricted breed dogs while legislation is being reviewed.

There are strict controls associated with the keeping of restricted breed dogs and there are heavy penalties for failing to comply with those controls.

Owners of restricted breed dogs are encouraged to seek further advice from Peter Wisdom, Council's Team Leader Community Laws, on 9518 3555 or Peter.Wisdom@monash.vic.gov.au