Dangerous and Restricted Breed Dogs

Council can declare a dog to be dangerous or menacing.

Dangerous dogs

A dog might be declared dangerous if it:

• has caused serious injury to a person or animal by biting or attacking
• is kept as a guard dog or has been trained to attack people or animals
• has been declared a dangerous dog by another council.

Menacing dogs

A dog might be declared menacing if it:

• causes a non-serious injury to a person or animal
• rushes at a person
• has been declared a menacing dog by another council.

Restricted breed dogs

You can no longer register a restricted breed dog in Victoria.  You can only keep a restricted breed dog if it was in the state before 1 September 2010 and registered before 30 September 2011.

Restricted breed dogs in Victoria include the:

• American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier)
• Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario)
• Dogo Argentino
• Japanese Tosa
• Fila Brasileiro
• Or a dog that fits the standard to be classified as a restricted breed of dog in Victoria.

If you own a restricted breed dog you must ensure your dog is:

Find out more information about Restricted Breed Dogs, registration and ownership requirements at Agriculture Victoria website or calling them on 13 61 86.

Report an incident

If you are attacked or rushed at by a dog in Maribyrnong City Council please report the incident immediately.

Make sure that you record all relevant details about the incident, including:

• time of the attack
• location
• description of the dog and owner
• taking photos of any injuries
• keeping copies of any records from you doctor or vet.

Call (03) 9688 0200 for urgent matters or make a request online.