You must ensure that your dog is:
- microchipped
- registered on the NSW Pet Registry
- desexed (or permanently sterilised)
- always supervised by someone over the age of 18
- contained in an enclosure that meets the requirements of the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 when on the premises where you usually keep it. Your local council must certify that the enclosure meets the Regulation
- wearing a muzzle and always securely leashed when outside the enclosure
- always wearing an identifying collar as prescribed in the Companion Animals Regulation 2018.
Permits for restricted dogs
Annual permits are also a control requirement for restricted dogs. You must register Restricted or dangerous dog annual permit (PDF, 145 KB) form and pay the relevant annual permit fee through your local council if you own a dog from a restricted breed.
If you do not register and pay relevant annual permits for restricted dogs, a court may impose a maximum penalty of up to $5,500.
Failure to pay may result in a court-imposed penalty of up to $16,500.
If you own a restricted breed that has also been declared dangerous, you must maintain 2 annual permits for that animal. A person who owns multiple dangerous or restricted dogs will need a permit for each animal.
You must also ensure that you:
- prominently display ‘dangerous dog’ warning signs on the premises where you usually keep it
- do not breed from your dog or advertise it as available for breeding before desexing it
- do not sell or give away your dog, advertise it for sale, or transfer ownership of your dog. It is an offence for someone to accept ownership of a restricted dog
- notify the local council of the area where you usually keep your dog if:
- your dog has attacked or injured a person or animal (other than vermin). You must notify council within 24 hours of the attack
- you cannot find your dog. You must notify council within 24 hours of noticing your dog is missing
- your dog has died. You must notify council as soon as practical after the dog’s death
- you will no longer be keeping the dog in the same council area
- you change the location in the same council area where you keep your dog. You must notify council of this change as soon as practical.