Dangerous Dog Regulations and Legislation in VIC

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The Domestic Animals Regulation 2015 in Victoria demands that all dog owners of declared dangerous dogs declared menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs must comply with all requirements of the Act or face large fines for each offense or even imprisonment.

Some of the important facts and requirements for dog owners in Victoria are listed below so that they may easily comply with the legislation. This fact sheet for Dangerous Dogs in VIC is a guide for dog owners. If you need more details, read the Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs in VIC page or contact your local council.

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Table of Contents

Dangerous Dogs in Victoria
Restricted Breeds - What are restricted in VIC?
Breeding Restricted Dogs - Am I allowed?
How are Dangerous and Menacing Dogs declared?
Dangerous Dog Collars - Main Identifier
Requirements for Dog Owners

Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Dogs in VIC

The Act identifies 3 types of dogs in Victoria. Any breed of dog no matter what size can be declared dangerous or menacing.

Dangerous Dogs
Menacing Dogs
Restricted Breed Dogs

Restricted Dog List in Victoria

Victoria has listed dog breeds that fit the Victorian “Approved Standard” which are restricted and must comply with Act requirements.

American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull Terrier)
Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
Dogo Argentino
Japanese Tosa
Fila Brasileiro

Breeding Restricted Breeds in VIC Are they allowed?

No. All restricted breeds that fir the Victorian “Approved Standard” for restricted breeds are to be desexed immediately. Selling, buying, giving or changing the ownership of a restricted breed dog are also prohibited by law and are offenses that are punishable by law.

Declared Dangerous or Menacing Dogs How are they declared in VIC?

Any breed and size of the dog in Victoria can be declared by an authorised officer of a local council as either dangerous or menacing depending on what the dog has done. A dangerous dog is declared dangerous when they attack or bite a person or animal resulting in death or serious injury. Menacing dogs are declared menacing when they chase or rush to a person aggressively in a menacing manner such as growling and snarling. Menacing dogs may be declared dangerous if the owner has received at least 2 infringement notices for failing to comply with requirements.

Dangerous Dog Collars in VIC Do I need one?

The prescribed Dangerous Dog Collar for Dangerous and Restricted Dogs in Victoria is the main identifier so people in public can identify a dog and be alerted of possible danger from a distance. They consist of red and yellow diagonal stripes at a 45-degree angle where one colour must be fluorescent or reflective to be visible in the dark. They are made of durable materials and are available in 3 sizes as required by the Act.

25mm for dogs weighing less than 20kgs
40mm for dogs weighing between 20kgs and 40kgs
50mm for dogs weighing over 40kgs

Requirements for Dangerous Dog Owners What do I need to do?

Dog owners with Dangerous Dogs, Menacing Dogs or Restricted Breed Dogs are required by the Act to comply with a number of requirements or face large fines.

Dangerous Dogs and Restricted Dog Breeds must wear a specially prescribed Dangerous Dog Collar for easy identification. The collar is available in 3 sizes.
A special warning sign for either Dangerous Dog or Restricted Dog Breed must be placed on all entrances to the premises.
The dog must always be muzzled and on a leash when taken out to the public and must be handled by a capable adult over the age of 18.
A dangerous dog must be confined in an enclosure that complies with the Act’s requirements.

This Fact Sheet is simply a short guide for dog owners with Dangerous Dogs, Menacing Dogs, and Restricted Breed Dogs. If you need more details, please read the Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breeds in VIC page or contact your local council.

Download your Dangerous Dog Fact Sheet for VIC

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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.