If a dog on the street attacks you what can Council do?
A Council officer will contact you to obtain a statement that will detail:
- Date and time and location of the attack.
- Description of the dog, such as colour, breed and size.
- Details of the dog's owner (if possible).
If Council can identify the dog and determine where it came from, legal action may be taken against the dog's owner through infringement penalties and / or declaration of the dog as dangerous and / or seizure of the dog.
Am I responsible if my dog attacks?
You may be liable through civil action for injury to a person or animal as a result of an attack by your dog. Council also imposes harsh penalties and management requirements after a dog has attacked.
Council has approved the release of information to victims of dog attacks including details of ownership of the offending dogs. Download Council's Application for Animal Management database information (pdf).
It is an offence under Council laws to allow a dog to attack or to not keep your dog within an enclosure. Not adhering to these laws may result in an 'on-the-spot' fine of $375 and / or court prosecution and / or Council seizure of your dog.
Your dog may be declared "dangerous" and you will be responsible for stringent controls as well as an annual dangerous dog registration fee.