Keeping a guard dog? If it protects non-residential premises, it is automatically considered a dangerous dog throughout Victoria, under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. This cannot be revoked: the dog is judged dangerous for life, even if it stops being used as a guard dog.
This act outlines requirements relating to dogs declared dangerous because they is used to guard non-residential premises, (see as the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005).
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 also empowers us to declare a dog ‘dangerous’ if:
- It has caused serious injury to a person, e.g. broken bones, severe lacerations, or the total or partial loss of feeling or function in part of the body
- It has caused serious injury to another animal
- It is a menacing dog, and its owner has received 2 or more infringement notices for not meeting restraint requirements
- It has been declared dangerous in another State or Territory
- For any other reason prescribed.
Owners of dangerous dogs must meet a series of obligations to ensure that members of the public are not attacked. There are penalties for non-compliance.
Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for detailed information on the responsibilities of keeping dangerous dogs.
Restricted Breed Dogs
Agriculture Victoria defines certain breeds as restricted if they fit the “Approved Standard” for:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier)
- Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario)
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Brasileiro.
If you own one of these breeds, you must comply with Victorian legislation relating to the control of Restricted Breed Dogs.
Find out more information about Restricted Breed Dogs, registration and ownership requirements at Agriculture Victoria website or calling them on 136 186.
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