We rely on members of the public to report all dog attacks especially those that have occurred on private property. Reporting all incidents helps us address problems appropriately.
What is a dog attack?
The City of Darwin By-laws define three (3) levels of dog attacks;
(56 Dog attacks and 57 Serious dog attack and Aggravated dog attack)
| Dog Attack | Serious Dog Attack | Aggravated Dog Attack |
|
A dog attack occurs when a dog behaves aggressively resulting in physical contact with a person or another animal, or damage to anything worn by the person or the animal. |
A dog attack is considered serious when a dog bites a person or another animal resulting in bleeding, bone breakage, sprains, scratches or bruising. | A dog attack that results in substantial injury to, or death of, a person or other animal is considered an aggravated offence and will attract the maximum penalty. |
Reporting a dog attack
If you are attacked by a dog on private or public property please report it to Council as soon as possible. This will help us to respond quickly and effectively.
To report an attack, fill out the Animal Attack online form or, please call (08) 8930 0600
You will need to provide certain details about the event, including:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Sequence of events.
The Council ranger will talk you through the appropriate complaint process.
Enforcement
If your dog has attacked, you are guilty of an offence and Council has a range of options at its disposal. (Section 56 Dog attacks, Section 57 Serious dog attack and Aggravated dog attack)
- As the owner, you may be prosecuted
- Dogs that have committed an attack may be placed on the Declared Dangerous Dog Register.
Declared dogs register
Council maintains a Declared Dangerous Dog Register which records the details of dogs that have committed certain acts, including attacks. Their owner’s details are also recorded. If your dog is placed on the Declared Dangerous Dog Register, extra conditions are placed on your dog’s registration. These conditions relate to the dog’s care and control.
The conditions may include:
- Placing signage at the premises where your dog is usually kept. The words ‘Warning Dangerous Dog’ must be clearly legible and visible from all boundaries of the property
-
When the dangerous dog is outside the premises where it is usually kept, ensure that
- The dog is kept under the effective control of a person who is at least 18 years of age and competent to restrain the dog and
- The dog is muzzled and controlled by a suitable leash and
- The dog does not enter a dog exercise area.
- Registering the dog as a declared dog and paying the appropriate fees
- Microchipping the dog
- You will also be required to comply with any other conditions imposed by Council. (61 Duties of owner of dangerous dog and 62 Notice about loss or transfer of dangerous dog).
Prescribed breeds
Darwin does not have a prescribed breed register.