Restricted Breed Dogs
What is a restricted breed dog?
Restricted Breed Dogs are defined as dogs that fit the "Approved Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria". These may be pure or cross bred American Pit Bull Terriers (or Pit Bull Terriers), Perro de Presa Canarios (or Presa Canario), Dogo Argentinos, Japanese Tosas, or Fila Brasileiros.
Restricted Breed Dogs 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.
Who can own a restricted breed dog?
The only Restricted Breed Dogs that can be kept are those that were:
- In Victoria prior to 1 September 2010, AND
- Registered (as any breed) with the local council prior to 30 September 2011.
Councils across Victoria have the right to seize unregistered restricted breed dogs. Where dogs are deemed by the council to meet the Standard, they will be declared as a Restricted Breed Dog and may be subject to euthanasia. Owners have the right to appeal the Council's decision through VCAT.
What are the ownership requirements for Restricted Breed Dogs?
Owners of Restricted Breed Dogs must comply with a range of requirements, relating to housing, microchipping, desexing, and identifying their dogs. Restricted Breed Dogs must also be muzzled and leashed when being exercised off the property. Click here for full details of ownership requirements for Restricted Breed Dogs.
How to report a suspected unregistered Restricted Breed Dog, or a registered Restricted Breed Dog not being kept according to prescribed requirements.
Call the Local Council or the Government hotline (1300 101 080). An Authorised Officer from the Council will investigate.
What to do if you think you have been sold a restricted breed dog.
Contact the Council and advise them of your concern. It is an offence for a person to sell, give or otherwise transfer the ownership of a restricted breed dog to you unless you are an immediate relative and ownership has been transferred as part of a deceased estate. The only other exception is if the owner surrenders the dog to a council pound or shelter for euthanasia.
You also have rights under consumer affairs legislation if the breed of the dog has been misrepresented. Contact the Consumer Affairs Victoria Helpline on ph 1300 55 81 81.
My dog has been declared a restricted breed, what do I do now?
The Authorised Officer must notify you in writing that your dog has been declared a restricted breed. At this point, you have the right to request from Council the reason why your dog has been declared a restricted breed.
You can appeal the declaration that your dog a restricted breed dog by appealing this decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal within 28 days of receiving the declaration.
Telephone: (03) 9628 9830
Toll Free: 1800 133 055 (Country callers only)
I am a veterinarian (or veterinary nurse) – do I have to report a dog that I think is of a restricted breed.
There is no obligation to report to council any dog that you believe to be of a restricted breed. It would be advisable to inform the owner that their dog may be considered to be of a restricted breed and that if they are concerned they should contact their local council for more information.
What happens if a Restricted Breed Dog is involved in a serious or fatal attack?
Owners of:
- Restricted Breed Dogs (both registered and unregistered);
- Dangerous Dogs declared due to attack;
- Attack trained dogs;
- Guard Dogs; and
- Declared Menacing Dogs
are subject to criminal offences if their dog kills or endangers the life of someone. Owners can be jailed for up to 10 years if their dog kills someone, or for up to 5 years if their dog endangers someone’s life. Where the owner of a dog is under the age of 18 years, the parent or guardian of that owner will be deemed the legal owner of the dog and subject to any penalties.
