Restricted Breed Dogs

Pit Bull Terrier Registration

Pit Bull Terrier’s not registered by 29 September 2011 will be seized and put down.

For more information contact your local council.

For further information about local councils, including contact details, visit the Department of Planning and Community Development website.

What is a restricted breed dog?

Restricted breed dogs are five specific breeds of dogs. They have not attacked a person or animal or displayed signs of aggression, but they are considered a higher risk to community safety than other breeds of dogs.

The following dog breeds are restricted:

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

Only the American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier) and one dogo Argentino is known to be in Victoria.

From 30 September 2011, all dogs fitting the Standard, except where exemptions are given by the Standard, are considered a restricted breed dog.

Restricted breed dogs must be muzzled and on a leash while outside in public places.

How is a dangerous dog different from a restricted breed?

A dangerous dog is a dog that has:

• attacked and bitten a person and caused serious injury
• has menaced people more than once
• is left to guard a non-residential premises, or
• has been trained to attack or bite a person or clothing attached to or worn by a person.

Dangerous dogs must be muzzled, on a leash and wearing a yellow and red striped collar while outside in public places and wear the collar at all other times.

How to identify a restricted breed dog

For information on the identification of restricted breed dogs, please see the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs.

This standard is also available from the DPI Customer Service Centre by phoning 136 186 or by contacting your local council. For further information about local councils, including contact details, visit the Department of Planning and Community Development website.

New restricted breed dog laws

If you own a restricted breed dog you will need to comply with new Victorian legislation regulating the keeping of Restricted Breed Dogs. Read more information on owning a restricted breed dog.

From 30 September 2011, the Domestic Animals Act 1994 states that the only restricted breed dogs that can be kept or registered are those that were:

• in Victoria prior to 1 September 2010 and
• registered (as any breed) prior to 30 September 2011.

From 30 September councils across Victoria will, after due process, have the right to seize and destroy unregistered restricted breed dogs.

New laws have also been introduced to better protect the community from dangerous dogs, along with laws affecting owners of menacing and dangerous dogs. For further details, call 136 186 or read more about Laws for Menacing & Dangerous Dogs.

Penalties for owning a restricted breed dog

From 30 September 2011 it is an offence for an owner to keep a restricted breed dog if it does not comply with the following conditions -

• Dog was in Victoria prior to 1 September 2010 and
• Dog was registered prior to 30 September 2011.

A penalty of $1,221.40 applies (10PU). The unregistered dog or one that was not in Victoria before 1 Sep 2010 may be seized and put down after due legal process.

Penalties for failing to apply to register the dog (20 PU or $2,442.80) or failing to make a correct declaration of the status of the dog as of a restricted breed (10 PU or $1,221.40) may also apply.

If you own a restricted breed dog and do not want to keep the dog, you can surrender the dog to your local council who will arrange to have it put down. Alternatively, take the dog to your veterinary practitioner for advice and assistance for its euthanasia.

Reporting a restricted breed dog

To report a suspected restricted breed dog, phone your local council or the dangerous dog hotline on 1300 101 080 between 8 am and 6 pm.

Do not use the hotline in an emergency. If people are in immediate danger, phone 000.

The hotline is a dedicated number and details of calls will be recorded and passed on to councils to ensure they are alerted to reports of dangerous dogs.

All information will be treated in strict confidence.

Owning a restricted breed dog

Read further information on owning a Restricted Breed dog.

Call your local council if you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a pet owner, or if you have lost your pet. Your council will also deal with concerns about wandering or nuisance animals. Advice is also available from animal welfare shelters, vets and dog clubs.

Further information

Read the Restricted Breed Dogs FAQs to find more information.

To learn more about responsible dog ownership, preventing dog attacks in the community, preventing dog attacks in the home and confining your dog or call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for more information.

Call your local council if you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a pet owner, or if you have lost your pet. Your council will also deal with concerns about wandering or nuisance animals. Advice is also available from animal welfare shelters, vets and pet clubs.