Reporting a dog attack or incident
Learn how to report an incident involving a dog.
If a dog attack is urgent or life-threatening, call emergency services immediately on Triple Zero (000).
How to report a dog attack
Report a dog attack or incident to your local council as soon as possible and provide as much information as you can, including:
- your contact details
- the date, time and location of the attack
- specifics about the attack, including how it started
- the colour, breed, size and any identifying features of the attacking animal
- injuries to any person or animal involved
- contact information from witnesses or anyone involved.
What happens next
Your local council will investigate the incident and may take one of the following actions:
- Issue a warning or fine to the dog owner. A warning could be verbal or in writing.
- Declare the dog dangerous or menacing. In these cases, the dog may be registered as a 'regulated dog' and the owner will be required to abide by several restrictions to protect others in the community.
- Prosecute the dog owner in serious cases.
- In rare cases, propose to have a regulated dog euthanised. The dog owner will be given opportunities to appeal.
More information
- Learn how to prevent dog attacks.
- Learn about keeping a regulated dog.
- Understand and follow the dog ownership laws in Queensland.
- Learn how to be a responsible dog owner.