Dog Classification

Menacing Dog Classification

Council are required to classify dogs belonging to a certain breed or type as menacing under Section 33C Schedule 4 of the Dog Control Act 1996.

Please select the following link to find information relating to the classification of menacing dogs:

Menacing Dogs | Dog Control Act 1996

Effects of Classification as Menacing Dogs (PDF file, 431.4 KB)

There are rules that owners must comply with if dogs in your possession have been classified as menacing.

Dangerous Dog Classification

There are rules that owners must comply with if dogs in your possession have been classified as dangerous. You will be issued with a notice explaining what these rules are.

Please select the following link to find information relating to the classification of dangerous dogs:

Dangerous Dogs | Dog Control Act 1996

Effects of Classification as Dangerous Dogs (PDF file, 431.4 KB)

Pitbull Classification Policy

The term "American Pitbull Terrier" has been slightly ambiguous. For the purpose of a consistent interpretation we do not consider the dog as a breed, rather it is a construct of features. To clarify what is considered to be a 'Pitbull' we have established a classification policy to ensure a consistent application of what we consider to be a 'Pitbull'. Please select the following link to find information relating to the Pitbull Classification.

Pitbull Classification Policy (PDF file, 1.3 MB)

Working Dog Classification

Not all farm dogs can be registered as a working dog. The Dog Control Act 1996 is very specific about the interpretation of a working dog.

Please select the following link for information relating to the classification of working dogs:

Working Dogs | Dog Control Act 1996

Breeds are not specific to the type of dog that can be classified as a Working Dog therefore if you have any type or breed of dog that you use to herd or drive stock, please complete the Working Dog Inspection Form (PDF file, 271.2 KB) and submit it to Council. An Animal Control Officer will contact you by the next working day to advise on whether an inspection is required.

If you have a dog that could be classified as a working dog in any of the other classifications shown in the Dog Control Act, please provide copies of the authorisation forms qualifying you by the appropriate governmental department or other organisation with your completed application form; i.e Pest Control under the Biosecurity Act 1993.