Dangerous Dogs

There are three types of dangerous dogs:

  • Dangerous Dog (Restricted Breed)
  • Dangerous Dog (Declared)
  • Commercial Security Dog

Any dog can be a dangerous dog.

Dangerous Dog (Restricted Breed)

Certain breeds of dogs have been identified by the Commonwealth Government as being particularly aggressive. They have been banned from import into Australia and each State and territory has introduced legislation to protect the community from these breeds.

The following breeds are classified as restricted:

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

This includes a mix of two or more breeds, one being a restricted breed.

Restricted breeds cannot be bred and must be sterilised and microchipped. It is also an offence to sell, buy or advertise for sale, restricted breed dogs.

Restricted Dog breeds cannot be trans­ferred to another owner unless there are exceptional circumstances, including:

  • The dog forms part of a deceased estate; or
  • The owner is deemed incapable of caring for the dog by a medical practitioner.

Dangerous Dog (Declared)

A dog can be declared dangerous based on its behaviour, including:

  • Causing injury or damage by an attack, or chasing, a person or animal
  • Repeatedly showing a tendency to attack or chase, a person, animal or vehicle
  • Threatening to attack

If a dog is declared dangerous, our Rangers will issue a written notice to the owner. The declaration takes effect seven days after the notice is given.

Received a Notice and Wish to Appeal?

You can appeal a declaration by contacting our Rangers or the State Administrative Tribunal within seven days of the issue of the notice.

You must still implement the protection measures specified in the notice.

Our Rangers can be contacted at:

Requirements for Keeping a Dangerous Dog

  • The dog must wear a collar with red and yellow diagonal stripes of 25mm in width. One of these colours must be fluorescent. The width of the collar is dependent on the weight of the dog.
  • The dog must be confined to an enclosure that prevents the dog from escaping, from being released or removed by another person without the owner’s permission and that prevents a child less than seven years old from entering or inserting part of their body into the enclosure without the help of an adult.
  • Warning signs must be displayed at entrances to area where the dog is kept.
  • When in public, the dog is to be muzzled, on a lead (no longer than two metres long) and under the control of an adult (over the age of eighteen years old) capable of controlling the dog.

To view examples of the collar and sign visit the WA Ranger website.