Dangerous Dog Regulations and Legislation in QLD

Under the Animals Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008, the Queensland government requires all dog owners in possession of a declared dangerous dog, menacing dog, and restricted dogs comply with each and every requirement of the Act or face large fines and penalties.

We have compiled a short and handy Fact Sheet containing all the most important facts you need to know about regulated dogs in Queensland and guide you through the requirements with ease. If you need more details, read the Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Dogs in QLD page or contact your local council with the updated policies as of January 1, 2022.

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Table of Contents

QLD Regulated Dogs - What are they?
Restricted Dogs in QLD - What are restricted?
Breeding Restricted Dogs in QLD - Am I allowed?
Proper Regulated Dog Housing - Can I use my old dog house in QLD?
Regulated Dog Declaration - How are they declared in QLD?
Regulated Dog Tag - Do I need one in QLD?
Regulated Dog Collar - Is it required in QLD?
Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Dog Signs for QLD
Dog Muzzle in QLD - Do I need to use it?
Other requirements for QLD dog owners

Regulated Dogs in QLD Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted

The Act defines 3 types of dogs and calls them regulated dogs in general. Any dog no matter what size or breed can be declared dangerous or menacing.

Dangerous Dogs (Declared)
Menacing Dogs (Declared)
Restricted Dogs

Restricted Dog List in Queensland

Restricted dogs are dogs that are prohibited for import into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 of the Commonwealth which includes the following breeds:

American pit-bull terrier
Pit-bull terrier
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Japanese Tosa
Presa Canario
Dingo

Breeding Restricted Dogs in QLD

The Act strictly prohibits breeding restricted dogs or encouraging them to breed. It is compulsory that these dogs are desexed and tattooed for proof. Selling, buying or giving away a restricted breed is also prohibited and all offenses are punishable by law.

Housing Requirements by the Act

The Act also includes a number of requirements of the proper housing or enclosure for a regulated dog. Old dog houses or enclosures are not to be used unless they comply with the Acts requirements on Enclosures defined in Division 3 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Regulation 2009.

Declaration of Dangerous or Menacing Dog in QLD

Any breed or size of the dog in Queensland can be declared a dangerous or a menacing dog by an authorised officer of a local council depending on what the dog has done.

A Dangerous Dog is any dog of any size or breed in Queensland being declared dangerous due to an attack or an act that has caused fear and resulted into serious injury against a person or animal.

A Menacing Dog is any dog of any size or breed in Queensland being declared menacing due to an attack or an act that has caused fear to a person or animal in a non-serious manner.

A Restricted Dog is dogs of a breed prohibited from import into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 of the Commonwealth including the breeds mentioned above.

Regulated Dog Tag Identification for QLD Regulated Dogs

In Queensland, it is required that all regulated dogs which include Dangerous Dogs, Menacing Dogs, and Restricted Dogs to wear a collar with a custom dog tag attached to it at all times. The tag must have these following features:

Contain the engraved and legible words "Regulated Dog".
Contain an engraved and legible 24-hour contact number of the owner or any responsible person for the dog.
Made of Plastic or Metal
Must be Disc Shaped
Must have a yellow background
Measures at least 25mm in diameter

Dog Collar Identification for QLD Regulated Dogs

In Queensland, it is required that all regulated dogs which include Dangerous Dogs, Menacing Dogs, and Restricted Dogs are now required to wear a collar at all times starting January 1, 2022. The collar must have the following features:

Yellow and Red striped with a yellow identification tag.
Each stripe must be 25 millimetres wide and set diagonal to the rim of the collar at an angle of 45 degrees.
At least one of the colours must be sufficiently reflective to be visible in low light
Be made of durable materials
Be able to be securely fastened to the dog.

Dangerous Dog Warning Sign Which one do I need in QLD?

Queensland has required 3 different dog warning signs depending on what type of dog you own to be placed on all entrances to the premises where the regulated dog is usually kept. The signs must have these following features:

Must measure 360mm x 260mm
Must be made of Firm and Strong Materials
Must have a Yellow Background and Black Border
Must have the words BEWARE DANGEROUS DOG, BEWARE MENACING DOG or BEWARE RESTRICTED DOG measuring 50mm in height
Must have the words declared under the Animal Management (Acts and Dogs) Act 2008, chapter 4; measuring 15mm in height
The words must be Indelible, Legible, Black in colour

Dangerous Dog Muzzle and Leash for QLD Regulated Dogs

It is required that all regulated dogs in Queensland which include dangerous dogs, menacing dogs, and restricted dogs to wear a secure dog muzzle at all times in public. The dog must also be on a leash all the time and handled by a responsible person, not below the age of 18.

Owner Requirements for Regulated Dogs in QLD

Dog owners with regulated dogs in Queensland are required to comply with the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 requirements or face large fines and penalties. Some of the most important requirements are:

All regulated dogs must wear a custom dog tag attached to their collar at all times.
All regulated dogs must wear a Yellow and Red stripe distinctive collar with one of the colour is reflective in the light.
A special warning sign for either Dangerous Dog, Menacing Dog, or Restricted Dog must be installed on all entrances where the dog is usually kept.
The dog must always wear a Dog Muzzle and be on a leash being handled by a capable adult when in public.
A regulated dog must be confined in an enclosure that complies with the Act's requirements.

This fact sheet is meant to be a short guide for dog owners with dangerous dogs, menacing dogs or restricted dogs. For more details read the Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Dogs in QLD page or contact your local council.

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The information contained on this page is meant as a general guide and general advice only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. We recommend people follow the instructions of their local government department. These materials are intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as an indication of future results. The Dog Line offers this information freely and takes no responsibility for its accuracy. For more details, please contact your local council.