Regulated dogs

In Queensland, regulated dogs are prescribed under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and include:

  • restricted dogs
  • declared dangerous dogs
  • declared menacing dogs.

Restricted dogs

You must not keep a restricted dog unless the relevant local government has issued you a restricted dog permit. Under the Customs Act 1901, the following breeds are restricted dogs:

  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa
  • American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
  • Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.

Declared dangerous and menacing dogs

An authorised local government officer can declare a dog to be dangerous or menacing if it:

  • has attacked, or acted in a way that caused fear to, a person or another animal or
  • may, in the opinion of an authorised person having regard to the way the dog has behaved towards a person or another animal, seriously attack or act in a way that causes fear to a person or animal.

Requirements for keeping regulated dogs

Once a dog has been declared dangerous or menacing or if it is a restricted dog, the owner must comply with certain requirements including:

  • microchipping the dog
  • keeping the dog in an enclosure approved by local council that complies with a strict set of requirements including that it is child-proof and the dog is not able to escape or protrude from it
  • displaying a sign/public notice at or near each entrance to the place where the dog is kept to notify the public a regulated dog is kept there
  • keeping a distinctive collar with a yellow identification tag with the words “Regulated Dog” on the dog at all times
  • keeping the dog under effective control when in a public place by someone who has the control of no more than one dog at the same time  (i.e. on a leash being held by a physically capable adult)
  • desexing the dog (dangerous and restricted dogs only)
  • muzzling the dog when it is in a public place (dangerous and restricted dogs only)
  • obtaining a permit from the relevant local council (restricted dogs only)
  • following all relevant local council laws including registering the dog.

From 1 January 2022 the distinctive collar must meet the following requirements:

  • 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.

For more information contact your local council.

Dog attacks

Contact your local council if you have seen an incident or been the subject of a dog attack. Seek medical attention if needed.

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