It is your responsibility as a cat or dog owner to ensure your pets are kept under control and are not a threat to the community.
Many people keep certain breeds of dogs to deter trespassers and burglars. That is not a problem, as long as the dog does not become a danger to people or other animals, other than vermin such as rats and mice.
Learn about your legal responsibilities as a dog owner
Annual Permits for dangerous and restricted dogs
You must register and pay the relevant annual permit fee through your local council if you own:
- a dog that is a restricted breed
- a dog declared to be dangerous.
A Restricted or dangerous dog annual permit fees (PDF, 145 KB) form must be submitted to council when paying the annual permit fee.
Menacing dogs do not require an annual permit, but they must be registered.
If you do not register and pay relevant annual permits for declared dangerous or restricted dogs, a court may impose a penalty of:
- up to $5,500 for a restricted dog
- up to $6,600 for a declared dangerous dog.
If you own a restricted dog and it is declared to be dangerous, you must complete the Restricted or dangerous dog annual permit fees (PDF, 145 KB) and pay both annual permit fees.
Please visit the annual permit fees section for information about the fees that apply to dangerous and restricted dogs.