Dangerous dog program outlines ‘serious obligations’ for owners

Sunshine Coast Council will launch its annual inspection program to ensure dangerous and menacing dogs are properly contained.

This follows Council’s September 18 Ordinary Meeting, where Councillor's supported the continued focus on education and enforcing regulated dog rules. The program was approved and will run between November 14, 2025, and November 13, 2026.

The endorsement allows Council teams to conduct inspections of properties where regulated dogs are housed to remind owners of their responsibilities regarding containment and public conduct. Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, regulated dogs include those declared dangerous or menacing. Regulated dogs must be kept in accordance with strict conditions to ensure public safety.

Managing for Growth Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston said the inspection program was a vital part of Council’s commitment to community safety.

“Owning a pet comes with a duty of care for the animal and keeping a regulated dog comes with added responsibilities,” Cr Johnston said.

“This program ensures owners are aware of the serious obligations they have in keeping their neighbourhood safe.

“Council’s Response Services team works alongside regulated dog owners to help make sure their dogs are safely contained and cared for in line with the required conditions. This helps keep both the community and the animals safe."

The term 'regulated dog' is used to refer to:

• declared dangerous dogs
• declared menacing dogs.

A dangerous dog declaration may be made for a dog if the dog:

• has seriously attacked someone, or another animal
• has acted in a way that causes fear to someone, or another animal
• may – in the opinion of an authorised person – seriously attack someone, or another animal
• may act in a way that causes fear to someone, or another animal.

‘Seriously attack’ means causing bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, or death.

Menacing

A menacing dog declaration may be made for a dog if it behaved in a way defined as 'dangerous', except that the attack was not serious.

Prohibited breeds

Following legislative changes in 2024, the following breeds are prohibited in Queensland:

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

What owners must do

Owners of regulated dogs must comply with the following requirements:

• Provide and maintain an adequate child-proof enclosure
• Ensure the dog is desexed (dangerous dogs only)
• Have the dog microchipped
• Ensure the dog always wears a red and yellow collar and tag
• Display warning signage at property entrances
• Muzzle the dog in public (dangerous dogs only)
• Comply with council restrictions on where the dog can be exercised
• Ensure the dog is registered with Council
• Pay higher registration fees.

Enforcement and penalties

Council officers will audit properties where regulated dogs are kept. If owners fail to meet the mandatory conditions, penalties may include:

• On-the-spot fines up to $2,503
• Compliance notices to rectify any issues
• Dog seizure
• Legal action, with maximum penalties over $25,000.

Reporting dog attacks

Council takes community safety very seriously. If you witness or experience a dog attack:

• Contact Council immediately
• Seek medical or veterinary attention
• Document the incident with photos and a written statement.

For more information on regulated dog requirements, visit Council’s website and search ‘Regulated dogs.’