Is there legislation relating to the ownership of specific

breeds of dog?
Legislation about dog breeds is commonly known as breed-specific legislation. This controls the importation
and requirements for keeping some specific breeds of dogs.
Specific breeds are restricted from importation under the federal Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations
1956 (see table below or read the FAQs on the AQIS website for further information). These are: pit bull
terriers or American pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, Argentinean fighting dogs (dogo Argentino), Brazilian
fighting dogs (fila Brasileiro) and the Perro de Presa Canario or Presa canario
State

Yes/No Details of conditions and any associated laws

ACT

No

NSW

Yes

Section 55 of the Companion Animals Act 1988 contains restrictions for the prescribed
breeds (see above)
The owners of restricted dogs must comply with the following requirements:
The dog must be kept in a child proof enclosure.
The dog cannot be in the sole charge of a person under the age of 18 years.
One or more signs Warning Dangerous Dogs must be displayed on the
boundaries of the property
When the dog is away from its normal property it must be under the effective
control of a competent person
The dog cannot be sold to a person less than 18 years of age
The dog owner must notify the Local Council of the following matters
That the dog has attacked or injured a person or animal (within 24 hours)
That the dog cannot be found (within 24 hours)
That the dog has died (as soon as possible)
That the dog s ownership has changed (within 24 hours)
That the dog is no longer being ordinarily kept in the area of the council (as soon
as possible)
That the dog is being ordinarily kept at a different location in the area of the
council (as soon as possible)

NT

No

QLD

Yes

Restrictions for the prescribed breeds (see above)

Yes

Restrictions for the prescribed breeds (see above), must be desexed, muzzled in public,
not allowed to be sold or given away

TAS

No

Restrictions for the prescribed breeds (see above) under Dog Control Act 2000

VIC

Yes

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 of the Commonwealth - restricted breed

dog

SA

Domestic (Feral & Nuisance) Animals Act 1994: Section 7: Exemptions for Guide Dogs
Section 27: Restraint of greyhounds. Section 41G/L: Restraint of restricted breed dogs
when on owners premises
Also specific regulations (Catchment & Land Protection Act 1994) regarding keeping of
dingoes

Is there legislation relating to the ownership of specific breeds of dog?

WA

Yes

Federal import ban

Dog Act for dangerous dogs

Article ID: 286

Last updated: 22 Jan, 2014
Miscellaneous -> Animal welfare legislation -> Is there legislation relating to the ownership of specific breeds of dog?
http://kb.rspca.org.au/entry/286/

Is there legislation relating to the ownership of specific breeds of dog?