If you are unsure how to comply with a notice received, or are being prosecuted by your Local Government, contact us via the link below. We will be able to assist you in making the right decision and deal with your Local Government on your behalf.

In some cases, there may be a defence claim, and good legal advice may be the difference between your dog returning home or being destroyed.

The legal regulations for owning a dog, and controlling one are outlined under the following Acts:

• Dog Act 1976,
• The Dog Regulations 2013, and;
• Your local government will also have specific bylaws you should be aware of.

Some important things to note as a dog owner:

• You have a legal responsibility to keep your dog under control, both on private and public property ($200-$5,000).
• You must control your dog’s barking, you can be fined for your dog causing excessive noise ($200-$5,000).
• You must remove and dispose of your dog’s droppings properly when in a public place, most public parks provide bags and bins to do so adequately
• If your dog attacks another animal or a person, you are responsible, even if you are not there at the time ($3,000-$20,000).
• You must register your dog, this is your responsibility as the owner ($200)
• Your dog must be microchipped.
• The registration tag must be attached to the collar which your dog must also be wearing. Once your registration fee has been paid, your local government will provide you with the registration tag ($200).
• There are different regulations for dogs of dangerous breeds, a dangerous dog is defined in the Act as:
  • A dangerous dog (declared), or
  • A dangerous dog (restricted breed), or
  • A commercial security dogs

Legal consequences of a dog attack:

• The owner of a dangerous dog can result in a penalty of up to $10,000 if a dog attack occurs. For dogs not defined as dangerous dog, an attack can result in a fine of up to $3,000.
• If a dog (not a dangerous dog) is urged to attack an animal or person, the penalty is either $10,000 or 12 months imprisonment, or both.
• In the case of a dangerous dog being urged to attack, up to $20,000 can be fined, and imprisonment for two years, with a minimum penalty of $1,000
• If you are responsible for a dangerous dog, it is a criminal offence if your dog attacks someone to the extent that it endangers their life or kills them.

If you have been attacked by a dog:

You can take private legal action for injury or damage you have suffered as a result. This includes medical costs, veterinarian bills, damage to personal items (such as clothing) etc.